Hamas holds the key to the ceasefire decision, says Jake Sullivan

On December 1, 2024, during an interview on "Face the Nation," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. He highlighted the precarious situation of hostages, including Americans, who are being held by Hamas and emphasized the need for a ceasefire to facilitate their release. Sullivan pointed out that the U.S. has been coordinating closely with both the Israeli government and the incoming administration to navigate this complex situation and to advocate for a surge of humanitarian assistance. He acknowledged that Hamas remains the primary decision-maker regarding the ceasefire, which complicates the administration's efforts to secure a peaceful resolution. Sullivan's comments also reflected the administration's strategy in engaging with multiple parties involved in the conflict, including a focus on the release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid, as both efforts are seen as critical to alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza. The interviewer, Major Garrett, brought attention to a troubling recent video showing Palestinians struggling for basic necessities, underscoring the dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, Sullivan addressed the U.S. government's previous engagements with Ukraine, where they worked on aligning military support with diplomatic strategies. The U.S. continues to support Ukraine in its territorial defense against aggression, but Sullivan emphasized that future diplomatic efforts would need to be primarily managed by the upcoming administration led by President Zelensky. As the situation develops, Sullivan affirmed that it is essential for the U.S. to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with the incoming team to ensure a smooth transition and effective management of ongoing crises, including the situation in the Middle East and support for Ukraine. In summary, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the hostage situation remain pressing issues, the administration is working diligently on multiple fronts to advocate for ceasefire and humanitarian assistance while coordinating with allies and preparing for the political transition in Ukraine.