Media: Netanyahu signals readiness to finalise Gaza hostage, ceasefire deal in talks with US official

On December 12, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan that Israel seeks to conclude a deal regarding hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, according to Israeli and U.S. officials.

As of now, 100 hostages remain in Gaza, including seven Americans, with Israeli intelligence estimating that about half are still alive. Sullivan confirmed during a press conference in Tel Aviv that the U.S. believes three of the American hostages—Edan Alexander, Keith Siegel, and Sagui Dekel-Chen—are still alive, Caliber.Az reports, citing Axios.

Two weeks ago, Israel presented Hamas with an updated proposal for a deal aimed at securing the release of some hostages and beginning a ceasefire. Since then, mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye have worked to bridge the gaps between the parties involved. On December 11, Mossad director David Barnea held talks with Qatar’s prime minister in Doha, with Israeli officials noting that Barnea returned with a "positive feeling that a deal is possible."

Sullivan, following his meetings with Netanyahu and Israeli security leaders, stated, "I got the sense from the prime minister he is ready to do a deal." Netanyahu, according to a senior Israeli official, emphasized his readiness to implement the deal immediately once Hamas "green lights" it.

Sullivan also highlighted that Hamas' position in negotiations shifted after the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, which made it clear that Hezbollah would not intervene on their behalf. "From that moment forward, we had a different character to the negotiations," he explained. "We believe it puts us in a position to close these negotiations."

The US official also noted the coordinated message from both President Biden and President-elect Trump, stating, "We want to close this deal this month. I wouldn't be here today if I thought this is waiting until after January 20."

Sullivan further warned of the "increasing risk" with each passing day, expressing cautious optimism: "It might not happen, but I believe it can happen with political will on both sides."

In the most recent development, Hamas representatives conveyed to negotiators on December 11 that they agreed to allow Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) forces to remain temporarily in Gaza after hostilities cease. Hamas also provided a list of hostages, including U.S. citizens, that they are willing to release as part of the ceasefire agreement.

By Khagan Isayev