Washington, DC – US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan faced questions on Sunday regarding the Israeli hostage rescue mission in Gaza, which had resulted in the deaths of over two hundred individuals, according to Gazan officials. Sullivan expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives during the operation but refrained from commenting on the specific casualty numbers.

President Joe Biden had recently highlighted the plight of Palestinians caught in the conflict, blaming Hamas for endangering civilians by using them as human shields. The Israeli military conducted a special operation in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp to rescue four hostages, sparking controversy over the high number of casualties reported by Gazan authorities.

While Palestinian officials claimed over 200 deaths, the Israeli military disputed this figure, stating that the casualties were likely under 100. The lack of distinction between civilians and militants in Gaza’s medical records complicates verifying casualty numbers accurately.

Sullivan emphasized the importance of seeking diplomatic solutions to facilitate the safe release of hostages without the need for military operations. He highlighted the ongoing conflict dynamics and expressed the US preference for a peaceful resolution through a ceasefire agreement.

Despite reports of American involvement in supporting the rescue efforts, Sullivan did not provide detailed information regarding the extent of US assistance. He reaffirmed the US commitment to aiding Israel in identifying hostage locations and securing their rescue, while distancing the US from direct military participation in the operation.

The potential risks involved in such rescue missions were acknowledged by Sullivan, who underscored the need for Hamas to agree to a ceasefire to end the conflict and ensure the safe return of all hostages. He urged Hamas to consider the proposed deal as the credible path forward to bring peace to the region and protect both Israeli and Palestinian civilians alike.