US urges political solution in Gaza War

Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, sought to increase pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a political solution to the war in Gaza and a regional deal with Saudi Arabia in talks with the Israeli prime minister.

Sullivan’s push came during a whirlwind trip to the Middle East which included talks on Saturday in Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and a stop in Israel on Sunday for meetings with Netanyahu and other top officials.

The visit came as the White House has grown increasingly frustrated with Israel over its plans to launch a ground offensive in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Tensions have risen after setbacks in the negotiations over a ceasefire deal that would free hostages held by Hamas, and Israel’s continued resistance to a Middle East peace plan that includes Palestinian statehood.

“Mr Sullivan reaffirmed the need for Israel to connect its military operations to a political strategy that can ensure the lasting defeat of Hamas, the release of all the hostages, and a better future for Gaza,” the White House said on Sunday.