WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Biden administration is eyeing a possible ceasefire in Gaza as early as this week, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan informed Bloomberg News on Monday. Sullivan emphasized that while there are aspirations for such an agreement, there are no certainties about the willingness of all parties involved to commit to it.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Sullivan disclosed that President Joe Biden’s administration has been actively engaging with the incoming administration led by President Donald Trump, aiming to present a unified front on the pressing issue in anticipation of the transition of power on January 20 in Washington.
“The mounting pressure as President Biden’s term nears its conclusion has been substantial,” remarked Sullivan. “The opportunity is ripe for the taking.”
With Biden set to vacate office next week following the Democratic defeat in the November election, control of the U.S. government will revert to Trump and the Republican party, who now hold the majority in both chambers of Congress.
Representatives from both the Biden and Trump camps participated in discussions over the potential truce during the weekend. Sullivan highlighted the critical juncture, stating, “The current challenge is whether we can collectively seize this moment and actualize this prospect,” underscoring that Biden has instructed him to collaborate closely with the incoming team.
The developments surrounding the potential ceasefire come against the backdrop of escalated tensions in the region, with the hope that a diplomatic resolution could help de-escalate the conflict and avert further humanitarian crises.
(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
