The US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says the White House is working on a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza but is “not there yet.

Sullivan’s comments came a day after Israel hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, days into a fragile ceasefire in its conflict with the Iran-backed group.

Addressing that conflict, Sullivan  lauded the ceasefire deal and said the US was working with Lebanon’s military to ensure it was implemented “effectively.”

In an apparent reference to the Israeli strikes, Sullivan said both parties “have the right, consistent with international law, to take action in self-defense if they’re facing imminent threats.”

Speaking in Jerusalem on Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said there were “indications” progress could be made on a deal securing the release of hostages by Hamas in Gaza.