Biden Remains Committed to Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Negotiations, According to White House

Biden Pursues Gaza Ceasefire and De-escalation with Hezbollah

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Joe Biden is committed to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiating the release of hostages taken by Hamas. Simultaneously, he aims to reduce tensions along Israel’s border with Lebanon, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

"He absolutely hasn’t given up," Sullivan stated in an interview ahead of Biden’s final address to the United Nations General Assembly as president.

Biden is set to meet with world leaders in New York to discuss strategies for a ceasefire and a hostage agreement in Gaza while working to prevent an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Sullivan recognized the difficulties in persuading both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to agree on a deal, noting, "Hamas and Sinwar in particular don’t want to do a deal."

"Nonetheless, we’re determined to keep at it," Sullivan emphasized.

The U.S. has been actively working to manage tensions in the region, particularly following Hamas’s attack on Israel from Gaza on October 7, which triggered a significant Israeli military response in the coastal territory.

The ongoing conflict with Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border has experienced fluctuations in intensity since October 7. Sullivan expressed confidence that previous spikes in conflict had been successfully managed and that there remains a potential pathway for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution that would allow people to return to their homes along the border between Israel and Lebanon.