2023-11-19 18:25:00
Hostage negotiations are ‘closer than we have been perhaps at any other time,’ White House says
Relatives and supporters participate in a solidarity march to demand the return of the hostages held by Hamas, in Jerusalem, on Saturday, November 18. (Credit: Mahmoud Illean/AP)
Negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas are getting closer and disagreements between the sides have reduced amid intense talks, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said Sunday on “State of the Union.” ” from CNN.
“What I can say about this right now is that we believe that we are closer than we have been perhaps at any other time since these negotiations began weeks ago, that there are areas of difference and disagreement that have been reduced, if not closed. completely,” Finer told CNN’s Jake Tapper, emphasizing that these are delicate negotiations and that there is currently no agreement in place.
Finer declined to delve into the details of the talks, but said officials are working around the clock and it remains a priority for US President Joe Biden.
When asked how many hostages the United States believes are still alive, Finer said they don’t have exact numbers.
“One of the challenges associated with this is that we are not on the ground in Gaza. We are not in direct contact with Hamas. We do it only through intermediaries. Therefore, we do not have exact fidelity on the precise number of hostages, including those who are still alive,” Finer said.
“We believe that there are a significant number of Americans detained, that those Americans are our top priority, the president’s top priority. These include, by the way, a 3-year-old girl who was orphaned because her parents were murdered by Hamas on October 7,” he added.
Some background: His comments came shortly after the prime minister of Qatar, whose country is participating in the talks, also touted the progress.
“Honestly, the sticking points at this stage are more practical, logistical, not something that really represents the core of the agreement,” Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said.
Hamas kidnapped about 240 people during the October 7 attacks.
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