US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan Discusses Hostage Negotiations Amid Gaza Conflict

 US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the group's lack of cooperation in providing names of captives for potential negotiations. In an interview with Channel 13, broadcast on Friday, Sullivan stated, "For many months, Hamas has not been prepared to even do the basic things of coming to the table with the names of hostages."

Sullivan’s remarks came as reports emerged this week suggesting that Hamas had submitted a list of hostages to mediators, outlining those it is willing to release in the first phase of a proposed agreement. However, an Arab diplomat quickly denied a Wall Street Journal report that had claimed such a list existed.

Sullivan spoke in the present tense, using "has" rather than "had," leaving some ambiguity as to whether he was referring to Hamas’s ongoing failure to provide hostages' names or to a period prior to the recent revival of negotiations. The White House declined to comment on a request for clarification regarding the statement.

Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s role in the negotiations, which some Arab mediators have suggested may be an obstacle, Sullivan responded diplomatically: "Israel negotiated hard to defend and justify its position in this negotiation." In contrast, he criticized Hamas, stating that the Palestinian group has shown "deep intransigence," repeatedly failing to act when opportunities arose.

Sullivan was asked whether the optimism surrounding the talks was linked to the election of US President-elect Donald Trump and his earlier threats to take severe action against those holding hostages. Sullivan dismissed this notion, attributing the renewed hope for a deal to recent developments in the region, including the collapse of the Assad regime, a ceasefire with Hezbollah, and Israel’s targeted strikes against Hamas leaders.

Sullivan also addressed the proposal for a one-phase hostage release, as advocated by some families of the captives. He affirmed that the US still supports the three-phase framework originally proposed by Israel in May, believing it to be the most effective strategy. "Our judgment is that trying to proceed in phases and getting this thing started so people start coming out — that is the best way to get to the end of the process," Sullivan explained.

He reiterated that the US and its mediators are committed to ensuring the safe return of hostages to their families in the shortest possible time.

Meanwhile, discussions have reportedly been ongoing about the terms of a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with some Palestinian sources expressing cautious optimism. The main sticking point remains whether the ceasefire will be permanent or temporary.

In related diplomatic developments, members of the incoming Trump administration have also been engaging in talks with regional leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and the Qatari prime minister, further signaling the global dimensions of the hostage negotiation efforts.

As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, both US and international efforts remain focused on securing the release of hostages and achieving a resolution to the ongoing conflict.