National Security Adviser Sullivan revealed in a recent White House briefing that continued efforts are underway to handle the hostage crisis involving those held by terrorists in Gaza, underlining the determination to reconnect them with their families. Abigail Edan, a 3-year-old American citizen orphaned after the October 7 Hamas terror attack, is one among the captives, as President Joe Biden mentioned in his call with Qatar’s emir.
Sullivan conveyed that the United States is diligently working to support initiatives aimed at rescuing and reuniting the hostages with their families. Currently, nine Americans are unaccounted for, along with one U.S. Green Card holder. While specific details about the hostages’ status were not extensively disclosed, Sullivan acknowledged possessing information about some of the hostages.
The National Security Adviser reaffirmed the U.S.’s role in leading efforts to augment the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, stressing the urgency to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population. Sullivan also highlighted Israel’s agreement to implement localised humanitarian pauses in the IDF’s actions, facilitating aid delivery, safe passage for Palestinian civilians, and assistance in the hostages’ release.
Sullivan expressed the need for these humanitarian pauses not to be strictly tied to a timetable, suggesting that they may extend beyond four hours. He acknowledged the IDF’s recognition of this, citing an extension to seven hours for the safe passage of civilians. In conclusion, Sullivan expressed the desire for considerably longer pauses, spanning days rather than hours, particularly in the context of a potential hostage release. He lamented civilian casualties in the conflict and emphasised Israel’s fight against a terror group committed to further acts of violence until its objectives are achieved.