US Sees Possible Gaza Deal This Week, Sullivan Says

White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP)
White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP)
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US Sees Possible Gaza Deal This Week, Sullivan Says

White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP)
White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP)

The Biden administration sees a possible Gaza truce as soon as this week, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan told Bloomberg News on Monday, adding that there were no guarantees that the parties would agree to such a deal.

Sullivan, speaking to Bloomberg in an interview, added that US President Joe Biden's administration has been in contact with incoming President Donald Trump's team and has sought to have a united front on the issue ahead of Washington's Jan. 20 transition of power.

"The pressure building here towards the end of President Biden's term has been considerable," Sullivan said. "It's there for the taking."

Biden leaves office next week after Democrats lost the White House in November's election, handing back the US government to Trump and his fellow Republicans, who will control both chambers of Congress.

Envoys of both Biden and Trump attended weekend talks on the potential deal.

"The question is now: Can we all collectively seize the moment and make this happen," Sullivan told Bloomberg, adding that Biden had directed him to work closely with the incoming team.



Aoun: Rebuilding Lebanon is Not Difficult if Intentions are Sincere

President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
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Aoun: Rebuilding Lebanon is Not Difficult if Intentions are Sincere

President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)

President Joseph Aoun said the Lebanese “must unite to rebuild the country, a task that is not difficult if intentions are sincere.”
He underscored the importance of forming a government that aligns with the aspirations of the Lebanese people and enables the country to recover, particularly on the economic front.
Aoun pointed out that the swift formation of a government would send a positive signal internationally, demonstrating that Lebanon is on the right track. He reiterated that everyone must rise to the occasion, stating: “Those who cannot bear the responsibility should not hold positions of authority.”
Calling for collective efforts to serve the public good, Aoun remarked that Lebanon’s strength lies in all its citizens, regardless of sectarian affiliations. He stressed the importance of mobilizing the potential of both residents and expatriates to contribute to the nation’s revival.
The president made these statements during a meeting with Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan of the Syriac Catholic Church, and Catholicos-Patriarch Raphael Bedros of the Armenian Catholic Church. The three religious leaders visited the presidential palace to congratulate him on his election.
“We are at a crossroads. While we have many opportunities ahead, it is up to us to either seize them or lose them. We must unite to rebuild the country, a task that is not difficult if intentions are sincere. Otherwise, we must bear the consequences of our choices,” the president said.
He continued: “We have received many positive signals and invitations from abroad. In return, we must also send positive messages. God willing, this will culminate in the formation of a government that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people, functions effectively, and allows the country to recover, especially economically, so it can get back on the right path.”
Aoun concluded: “Lebanon has untapped potential, both at home and within its diaspora, that must be activated to serve the country. This requires an approach based on prioritizing the public interest with transparency and cooperation. This is what the world expects from us, and if we achieve it, they will support us.”