ALBAWABA - According to reports, the US and Israel are almost done settling on a deal to end hostilities and declare a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
These crucial topics will be covered at the next meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden, according to announcements made by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Expectations are strong that the last round of ceasefire talks will be concluded when Prime Minister Netanyahu visits Washington. During a security event in Colorado, Blinken said that the negotiations had come to an end.
National Security Advisor Sullivan stressed in a follow-up statement that while it is doubtful that a formal agreement would be reached before Netanyahu addresses the U.S. Congress, efforts will be directed toward concluding the accord during his visit. On Wednesday, Netanyahu is expected to address Congress.
Sullivan said that President Biden would make it his top priority to settle any outstanding concerns and complete the deal this coming week. He emphasized that there is a great chance to create a truce during these talks.
Sullivan gave a summary of the negotiations and said that in late May, President Biden had first suggested a three-phase cease-fire strategy. Since then, Israel has committed to this approach and received international backing; early last month, Hamas agreed to a broad framework. Sullivan expressed cautious optimism about the progress made, despite the fact that certain specifics still need to be resolved.
When asked whether he was optimistic about a deal, Sullivan said, "I've learned not to use the word 'optimism' lightly when it comes to the Middle East." In closing, he reiterated the administration's commitment to overcoming challenges and reaching a final agreement within the next week.
