On this "Face the Nation" broadcast, moderated by Margaret Brennan:

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
• National security adviser Jake Sullivan
• Phillippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
• World Food Programme director Cindy McCain
• Sen. Michael Bennet, Democrat of Colorado
• Rep. Ken Buck, Republican of Colorado

Click here to browse full transcripts of "Face the Nation."

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MARGARET BRENNAN: I'm Margaret Brennan in Washington.

And this week on Face the Nation: Could the fragile temporary truce between Israel and Hamas hold? And does it signal we're near the end of this brutal war?

For the first weekend in almost two months, relief and joy in Israel, with more than two dozen hostages returning home as part of a deal with Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Stay tuned for an in-depth conversation with the mastermind behind the deal, the prime minister of Qatar, as we delve into the fate of the remaining hostages and the potential duration of this ceasefire. Additionally, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will provide his insights, and we will explore the global ramifications of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with the leaders of two prominent U.N. organizations.

Turning our attention back home, we will closely examine Congress' extensive year-end agenda, which includes a border agreement that could result in stricter asylum regulations.

All this and more coming up on Face the Nation.

Good morning, and welcome to Face the Nation.

As we enter the third day of the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, there are indications that a third group of hostages will be released today by Hamas. In exchange, Israel will free Palestinian prisoners and allow much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. The list of 13 hostages, provided by Hamas, is currently under review by Israel, and sources reveal that an American name is included.

The truce, brokered by Qatar and the U.S., is anticipated to endure for a minimum of four days. However, the future beyond day five remains uncertain.

Coming up shortly, we have an exclusive interview with the prime minister of Qatar.

But first, let's hear the latest report from Imtiaz Tyab in the West Bank.

(Begin VT)

However, there are concerns that the fragile deal between Israel and Hamas is on the brink of collapse. The agreement was delayed for hours as Hamas accused the Israeli military of repeatedly violating the terms. Egyptian and Qatari mediators had to intervene to resolve the dispute.

In Gaza, the temporary halt in violence allowed war-weary Palestinians to return to their homes in the northern part of the strip. Unfortunately, they were met with the devastating sight of entire city blocks gutted by airstrikes.

Qatari Prime Minister Interview

SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ABDULRAHMAN BIN JASSIM AL THANI: Well, thank you very much for having me, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Sheikh, the White House told us that at least one American is expected to be released by Hamas today. You've seen the list of hostages.

Will we see 4-year-old Abigail Edan released today? And are you confident this exchange will happen?

SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ABDULRAHMAN BIN JASSIM AL THANI: Well, so far, things are moving in the right direction. We've been working very closely with the U.S. government, with the White House, of course.

And we are hoping that we will see the release happening shortly. And, within the list, they include Abigail, the young girl, 4 years old.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Will we see more Americans released soon?

SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ABDULRAHMAN BIN JASSIM AL THANI: Well, we are hopeful, actually.

There are still some names which supposed to be on the first group. Until now, we didn't get the confirmation yet. But, you know, we are working on daily basis and making sure that, every day, we have the list of the next day.

So, we are optimistic about receiving confirmation of proof of life for the hostages and hopefully, we will have the result at the end of the agreement. As mentioned earlier, developments are occurring on a daily basis, and our focus is on today's operation. We hope that it will happen very soon.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, Mr. Prime Minister, I understand a Qatari delegation visited Israel yesterday and Gaza today. Do you anticipate that this four-day truce will be extended, and if so, for how long?

SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ABDULRAHMAN BIN JASSIM AL THANI: Well, actually, we are hopeful.

According to the agreement that has been reached in the past few days for this four-day pause, there is a provision that if Hamas is able to prove, locate, and secure some of the hostages who fall under the first group criteria, which includes women and children, then the truce will be extended.

It depends on the number of hostages they are able to secure. This is something we cannot confirm yet until the fourth day. Hamas should present the list if they have it.

Our delegation, who have reached Israel and Gaza, are two separate delegations. The Gaza delegation's focus is to ensure that there is sufficient humanitarian aid going into Gaza. It is a purely humanitarian mission.

During this period of ceasefire, there is an opportunity for diplomatic negotiations to bring an end to the conflict. Qatar has been a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian people and their cause. Our relationship is with the Palestinian people, and we have been providing support for decades.

In an earlier interview, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that there is reason to believe that Americans held hostage in Gaza will be released today. However, he cannot confirm the identity of the American or guarantee that the release will happen until the individual is safely out of Gaza and reunited with their loved ones.

But whether or not this particular deal gets extended, that's really up to Hamas, because Israel has been very clear, as part of the deal, it is prepared to continue the pause in fighting for every day that Hamas produces an additional 10 hostages.

So, the ball is in Hamas' court. If Hamas chooses on the fifth day and the sixth day and the seventh day to continue to produce hostages, to return them to their loved ones, to return them to safety, then Israel is prepared to continue the pause in the fighting. If Hamas decides not to do it, the responsibility will request – will rest squarely on Hamas' shoulders.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Your deputy Jon Finer was on Face the Nation last Sunday and told us Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding in the south of Gaza. Combat operations are planned for that area. But he said they should be held off until civilians are accounted for in Israel's military planning.

Is the U.S. satisfied with the assurances provided by Israel?

JAKE SULLIVAN: Well, really, this is about operations, and not just about conversation.

So, what the United States is hoping to see and, frankly, what I believe Israel is hoping to see is the conditions being set whereby any military action only takes place after civilians have been accounted for and have the opportunity to be in safety, to have access to humanitarian assistance, and to be out of the way of any military operation that is conducted.

That's the conversation we're having with the Israelis right now. It's a constructive conversation, and the details of it will remain behind closed doors. But the basic notion that continuing military operations should learn lessons from the north to be applied in any further undertakings, this is something that we have been discussing with the Israelis at length.

MARGARET BRENNAN: President Biden was asked this past week about the call by some of his fellow Democrats to put conditions on military aid to Israel, and he said it was – quote – "a worthwhile thought."

What specific conditions are you considering putting on U.S. aid?

JAKE SULLIVAN: Well, Margaret, what the president actually said was, it's a worthwhile thought, but the approach that I have taken, I, Joe Biden have taken, has actually helped generate results.

It has been high-level presidential diplomacy, deep, personal, and oftentimes private engagement…

MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, he said it wouldn't have gotten us where we are now.

JAKE SULLIVAN: The recent developments in Gaza have been the direct result of a deep, personal, and private engagement. This engagement has led to a significant increase in humanitarian assistance being provided to Gaza, allowing thousands of foreign nationals, including American citizens, to safely leave the area. Additionally, there has been a temporary cessation of hostilities, marking the first pause in the conflict since it began. Furthermore, a hostage deal has been reached, bringing hostages back to their families after 50 days.

President Biden has described this approach as the key factor in achieving these positive outcomes. While he acknowledged the possibility of restrictions, he emphasized that the approach he has taken is what has generated these results. The President remains committed to this diplomatic strategy and will continue to engage in this manner. In fact, he has a scheduled call with Prime Minister Netanyahu today.

It is expected that the United States will continue its current approach, with President Biden leading the way, as it has been yielding positive results.

Senator Sanders has published an op-ed in "The New York Times" outlining specific demands for restrictions on aid to Israel. He suggests a freeze on settlement expansion in the West Bank and a commitment to a two-state solution.

Is it reasonable to require these conditions from the Israeli government before providing additional aid?

Jake Sullivan, in response, highlights President Biden's strong advocacy for a two-state solution. He emphasizes that the president has been vocal about it since the beginning of the conflict. However, he acknowledges that the current Israeli government has not shown the same level of commitment.

According to Sullivan, a two-state solution is crucial for lasting peace in the region. The goal is to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians have equal measures of freedom and dignity, living peacefully side by side.

Given Prime Minister Netanyahu's statements and the views expressed by some members of his government, Brennan asks if this is a moment for diplomatic efforts.

JAKE SULLIVAN: We strongly believe that now is the time for collaboration and cooperation with all stakeholders in the region, including the Israeli government, the Palestinians, the Arab countries, our European partners, and others, in order to achieve a two-state solution.

President Biden has expressed this commitment in a detailed op-ed he wrote for "The Washington Post" recently. So, to answer your question, yes, we believe that this is a moment for diplomatic efforts.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Jake Sullivan, for your insights today.

JAKE SULLIVAN: Thank you.

(End VT)

MARGARET BRENNAN: We'll be right back with more of Face the Nation. Stay tuned.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: Our next guest is Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

Welcome back to Face the Nation.

PHILIPPE LAZZARINI (Commissioner-General, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East): Good morning, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: I understand you're joining us from Amman, Jordan, today.

I'm curious, since you are in contact with both sides, why do you think the death toll remains so high?

Devastating News in Conflict Zone

Yes, this is definitely devastating news. And in such a short period, we have never lost as many staff in the conflict.

Now, it is also true that about 70 of our locations sheltering more than one million people have been hit since the beginning of the conflict. We have had about 200 people killed and 100 injured, despite constantly deconflicting and notifying the Israeli authorities and the de facto government of Hamas about our location.

So, who is hitting these locations?

We will definitely need to have an investigation about all these allegations.

The White House has expressed concerns over Israel's combat operations in South Gaza, stating that assurances about protecting civilians in the region need to be in place before any further actions are taken.

Have there been any assurances given to you? Are you confident in your ability to operate safely in that area?

Philippe Lazzarini responds, "We are not confident, as there haven't been any safe places established in the Gaza Strip thus far. People were initially told to move from the north to the south, but we have seen that a number of people have been killed in the south. So, there haven't been any safe places yet."

He continues, "However, we have managed to provide shelter for more than one million people this week, which accounts for over half of the displaced population in Gaza. We will continue to urge the Israeli authorities and all parties involved to respect these sheltered areas in accordance with international humanitarian law."

When asked about the severity of the humanitarian situation, Lazzarini states, "I recently returned to Gaza for the second time last week. The situation is dire."

The situation is much worse than what I saw the first time. Just to give you an example, I visited the vocational training center of UNRWA. We are sheltering 35,000 people there. I met a father with his five children. They live in a four-square-meter makeshift – basically sleeping on the floor, no mattress, no blanket.

Winter is coming. And, all of a – suddenly, he's bursting into tears and saying: "Well, my dignity has been stripped."

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes.

PHILIPPE LAZZARINI: And his story is a story of hundred of thousands of people in the Gaza Strip.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We have to take a break here, and we will continue our conversation the other side of it.

Please stay with us.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: And we will hear more from Philippe Lazzarini in our next half-hour, plus World Food Program Director Cindy McCain.

For more information on their organizations and how you can help, visit WFP.org and UNRWA.org.

We will be back in a moment.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: We will be right back with a lot more Face the Nation.

Stay with us.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to FACE THE NATION.

And our conversation with Philippe Lazzarini of the U.N. Relief Agency for Palestine refugees.

Mr. Commissioner-General, how much aid is getting into Gaza now as part of this diplomatic deal?

UNRWA Commissioner-General on Gaza Truce and Humanitarian Aid

Since two days, I would say the beginning of the truce, we have seen a significant increase of trucks entering Gaza. I would say on the first day we had an average of 40 trucks, which was far, far, far too little compared to the immense need in the Gaza Strip. And now I would say over the last few days we had an average of 160 to 200 trucks crossing Rafah and entering into - into Gaza.

Having said that, I do believe that 200 are hardly enough for a humanitarian response. If we want to reverse the impact of the siege into Gaza Strip, we need also commercial fuel.

I want to ask you, sir, about your organization, which continues to be criticized by some in Israel, including their intelligence minister, who published an op-ed recently in the "Jerusalem Post," and she said, "UNRWA has done zero to help the Palestinian people, even though it has an annual budget of over a billion dollars." She argued that the international community should instead fund the costs of moving Palestinians to other countries. I wonder how you respond to that.

PHILIPPE LAZZARINI: You know that UNRWA has a mandate from the general assembly, and basically is requested to provide protection and assistance to the Palestinian refugees across the region, not only in Gaza, until (INAUDIBLE) there is a firm and lasting political solution. Since then, when we refer to the $1 billion budget we have in our school, more than half a million girls and boys learning education from grade one to grade nine. We have more than 2 million people benefiting from our primary health not only in Gaza but also in Lebanon, in Syria, in Jordan, in the West Bank and in east Jerusalem.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And resettling the – all of the Palestinians, I imagine, you would strongly disagree with.

PHILIPPE LAZZARINI: UNRWA does not have the mandate from the general assembly to resettle the Palestinian refugees.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Right.

PHILIPPE LAZZARINI: The assumption is there need to be a political solution, a lasting one, and that that's the way an organization like ours would then phase out. Unfortunately, for 75 years there haven't been any (INAUDIBLE) solution and basically we are dealing with the longest-lasting, unresolved conflict.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood.

We will continue watching what happens.

Commissioner-General, thank you for your time today.

PHILIPPE LAZZARINI: Thank you, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: And we turn now to the executive director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, also part of the United Nations.

Director McCain, we just heard this ceasefire is bringing some aid into Gaza, but UNICEF just published some information saying that there is a life-threatening form of malnutrition in children that could increase by nearly 30 percent in Gaza. Weakened immune systems, weight loss, death from illness, like common cold and diarrhea. They are talking simply about the children who make up half the population. What are you doing to prevent this from happening?

CINDY MCCAIN (Executive Director, World Food Programme): Well, thank you for having me.

First of all, the - the bottom line here is that we need to get more aid in, as – as has been said. We are looking at possible – possibly being on the brink of famine in this region. This is something that's not only terrific, but it will spread. And - and with that comes disease and - and everything else that you can imagine.

Bottom line, we need more trucks in, we need more aid in, we need to be able to have more access to be able to distribute the aid. And - and, you know, hopefully maybe a longer time to do that, not just four days. We look forward to - to making sure that we can work with all of our partners on the ground and in the area to make sure that this can happen. And I want to thank the Egyptians for being so helpful in all of this.

MARGARET BRENNAN: UNICEF also said approximately 30,000 children under the age of five in Gaza had stunted growth. And this was even before the war began.

CINDY MCCAIN: Right.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Why?

CINDY MCCAIN: The issue of access to aid has been a concern both before and after the war. It is crucial that we not only provide food, but also ensure that these children receive the proper nutrients. The situation is catastrophic and will affect multiple regions. We must find a way to gain safe access to feed those in need. While we have already provided food to 110,000 people since the ceasefire, we need to do much more.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Absolutely, for the sake of future generations.

We are facing numerous needs around the world. The World Food Programme has had to cut off aid to 10 million people in Afghanistan. In Africa, we have had to end food aid for over a million people in Chad and suspend aid in Nigeria, Carr (ph), and Cameroon. Prioritizing these needs and deciding who to cut off is a difficult task.

During a recent interview, Cindy McCain expressed her concerns about the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, particularly the impact it has on the ability to provide food for millions of people. She emphasized that the problem goes beyond just the inability to feed, but also the urgent need for the world to step up and help. Cutting off aid to 10 million people, primarily women and children, will have deadly consequences for the country. McCain called on countries around the world, not just the United States, to contribute and assist in feeding those who cannot feed themselves.

When asked about the role of technology in addressing the crisis, McCain acknowledged that some countries may not be able to provide financial aid, but they can offer technology and advice to improve agricultural practices. She mentioned that other countries have stepped up and are working with them to find ways to enhance food production with less water and more advanced technology. McCain emphasized the importance of combating climate change, the effects of Covid, and conflicts in the long run.

McCain also highlighted the significance of the conflict in Ukraine, which is known for its agricultural productivity. The invasion by Russia has further exacerbated the supply crisis, making it even more challenging to ensure a stable food supply.

CINDY MCCAIN: The impact of the Russian invasion has been devastating, not only in terms of the shortage of grain for distribution, but also the financial resources needed to address this crisis. It has had a ripple effect throughout Africa and other countries. Ukraine plays a significant role in all of this.

We are making efforts to distribute grain, although it is going in different directions. However, this is a catastrophic event that has affected nearly every country in the world.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Director McCain, we appreciate your work on these difficult issues and your time today.

CINDY MCCAIN: Thank you.

MARGARET BRENNAN: We'll be right back.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

MARGARET BRENNAN: Now, let's turn to Senator Michael Bennet, a senior Democrat from Colorado.

Good morning, Senator.

SEN. MICHAEL BENNET (D-CO): Good morning, Margaret.

MARGARET BRENNAN: When Congress reconvenes, they will have a lot of work ahead of them. I understand that you have been part of a small group working on the issue of the U.S. border and President Biden's request for approximately $14 billion in funding. Can you provide an update on the status of these talks?

Democratic Senator Michael Bennet believes that it is crucial to secure recognition and funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Southeast Asia. However, some Republicans in the Senate are insisting on addressing border issues before voting on these funding packages. Bennet acknowledges that while he believes the Ukrainian people deserve support without any negotiations on the U.S. border, there are differing opinions in the Senate. The House, currently held by Republicans, also insists on bundling border issues with Ukraine aid. Bennet emphasizes the bravery of the Ukrainian people and their progress in reclaiming territory from Putin. He argues that the United States has a responsibility to support Ukraine in their fight for democracy.

In an interview with Margaret Brennan, Bennet discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the necessity of bundling border issues with Ukraine aid in order to pass it in the Republican-held House.

During a recent interview, Senator Michael Bennet discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. When asked about the possibility of placing conditions on aid to Israel, Bennet stated that it is a debate that will likely be had in the coming days. He emphasized the importance of understanding that Hamas is a terrorist organization and that Israel has the right to defend itself. However, he also stressed the need for Israel to minimize civilian casualties and adhere to the rule of law.

You've still got a bit of business to handle in these next few weeks that's for sure. Congress has a lengthy to-do list. Reauthorizing the FAA, finishing the defense bill, taking on all of these supplemental requests from President Biden. Can you get all of that done in the remaining weeks?

REP. KEN BUCK (R-CO): We can. We have three weeks of legislative business ahead of us, if not more, and we can get those things done and they're very important to get done.

MARGARET BRENNAN: You have, on that issue of Ukraine, which I understand is controversial among some Republicans, you are part of the Freedom Caucus. That puts you more to the – to the right of your party. But you are for aid to Ukraine.

I'm wondering if you think it is possible to do what Senator Bennet just laid out and said was essential, which is have that aid passed no matter what, you know, even if it doesn't get bundled with a border bill.

KEN BUCK: I think it's absolutely essential to get aid to Ukraine. I think President Biden has slow-walked different types of military equipment that Ukraine has needed. And we need to make sure that they have the very best equipment and support that we can give them in - in fighting the Russians. I hope it gets done.

The question, Margaret, is always, where does the money come from? And so, to expect that the Democrats help us find ways to pay for the Israel aid and the Ukraine aid I think is absolutely fair. For the Senate we've already sent the Israel aid to the Senate. It is sitting there. Has been for weeks. They have done nothing. I think that's irresponsible. We need to work together to find ways to pay for this aid and then to make sure that both the Israel aid, and the Ukraine aid are sent to those countries.

Retirements and Aid to Israel

Ken Buck, a Republican congressman, expressed his concerns about the Democrats potentially holding up aid to Israel. He emphasized the importance of finding responsible ways to provide for Israel's needs, as well as Ukraine's.

During an interview with Margaret Brennan, Buck also discussed the high number of retirements announced by Republican leaders in recent weeks. He stated that too many Republican leaders are lying to America, specifically referring to those who claim that the 2020 election was stolen and those who downplay the events of January 6th.

As a Republican Party, if we're going to offer good, solid policy answers to the real challenges we face in America, we've got to get past the lies and we've got to have credibility with the American public. And I think we can do that but we have to move forward.

But you know that the speaker of the House tried to reverse the 2020 election results by signing on to that Texas amicus brief. By CBS standards that makes him an election denier. But you support him.

I do support him. I signed onto that brief also. And I believed that going through the courts to challenge an election is absolutely proper and it's been done dozens of times in American history.

What's wrong is to try to stop a legal function, a legislative function like counting the votes in an election as happened on January 6th. Mike was not the leader of the party at the time that so many Republicans voted against the certification of electors. While I disagree with some of his -

Does he need to be more clear, though, now?

I hope he is - I hope he becomes more clear. I hope all of my Republican colleagues become more clear and recognize the fact that Joe Biden is an existential threat to this country, and we need to defeat him and we do that with someone who's not lying to the country.

On this post-Thanksgiving holiday weekend, we want to share some heartwarming news from Gaza. According to a reliable source, four-year-old American Abigail Edan is now safe and in the custody of the Red Cross. Additionally, the Qatari foreign ministry has announced that Israel will be releasing 39 Palestinians in exchange for the release of certain prisoners.

Stay tuned for more updates.

(ANNOUNCEMENTS)

Before we conclude today, we would like to honor our dear colleague Ricardo "Rick" Whitson, who passed away last week at the age of 57. Rick was a talented lighting director and a beloved member of our team. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

This is Margaret Brennan, signing off from FACE THE NATION.