US, Israel, Egypt and Qatar have Agreed on 'Basic Contours' of hostage Deal, Sullivan

GENOSIDA ISRAEL - WASHINGTON - The United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel have come to an understanding of the "basic contours" of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on CNN on Sunday.

The deal is still under negotiation, said Sullivan, who added there would have to be indirect discussions by Qatar and Egypt with Hamas.

Read Also: Ceasefire Takes Hold in Gaza Ahead of Hostage Release, Aid Enters Enclave

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday said it was not clear yet whether a hostage deal would materialize from ongoing talks, declining to discuss specifics but saying the Islamist militant group Hamas needed to "come down to a reasonable situation."

Netanyahu, speaking in an interview with CBS News, added he was meeting with staff later on Sunday to review a dual military plan that included the evacuation of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and an operation to destroy remaining Hamas battalions.

"If we have a deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen. If we don't have a deal, we'll do it anyway," he told CBS.