White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prepared to negotiate a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza.

According to multiple reports from a Tel Aviv press conference, Sullivan conveyed that Netanyahu expressed his readiness to reach an agreement, emphasizing his desire for a swift resolution.

When questioned about whether Netanyahu was delaying cease-fire negotiations with Hamas to await the incoming Trump administration, Sullivan denied such an impression, asserting their aim to conclude a deal this month.

He underscored his commitment to resolving the situation before January 20th, highlighting his presence in Tel Aviv as evidence of this urgency.

Sullivan’s remarks followed a meeting with family members of American hostages held captive by Hamas for over 430 days since the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.

Hope for a resolution, following a previous hostage release agreement in November 2023, re-emerged last month after a 13-point cease-fire deal between Jerusalem and Hezbollah.

A Wall Street Journal report indicated Hamas has conceded to key Israeli demands, reportedly informing mediators of their willingness to allow Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers to remain in Gaza during a temporary truce.

The report also suggested Hamas dropped its demand for a permanent end to Israel’s operations and provided a list of hostages, including Americans, for potential exchange under a cease-fire agreement.

The number of hostages Hamas would release and the specific identities on the list—including those of three Americans still believed to be alive—remain unclear.

Hostage families in both the U.S. and Israel have urged Netanyahu for months to pursue a truce and secure their loved ones’ release. This plea intensified after a cease-fire deal collapsed in late summer, resulting in the death of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, along with other hostages, in August.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Wednesday demanding a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and the immediate release of all hostages.

The resolution, passed by 158 votes out of 193 member states, called for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire, to be respected by all parties, and further reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”

While not legally binding, the resolution holds significance as a reflection of the international community’s stance on the issue.

Nine countries, including the U.S. and Israel, voted against the resolution, with 13 abstaining.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood stated that the resolution risks conveying to Hamas that negotiation and hostage release are unnecessary.

He added that despite the resolution’s perceived shortcomings, the U.S. remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution that ensures peace, security, and freedom for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, emphasizing the need to increase pressure on Hamas.

Sullivan reportedly stated that Hamas’ negotiating stance has shifted since last month’s Lebanon cease-fire.

Sullivan is scheduled to travel from Israel to Qatar and then Egypt this week, where he will meet with officials to facilitate a cease-fire and secure hostage releases.