Netanyahu & Biden talk Gaza ceasefire and hostage crisis in critical discussion
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden held a crucial discussion on Sunday. They talked about the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the hostage situation. Biden received updates from Netanyahu about the progress of talks, which have been taking place in Doha.
These talks have been delayed multiple times, despite mediation by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor, mentioned that U.S. envoy Brett McGurk has been working on the final details of the agreement.
However, uncertainty looms over whether a deal will be reached before January 20, marking the end of Biden’s term. Both Israel’s Mossad and Biden’s top Middle East advisor are actively involved in negotiations in Doha.
The talks have mainly focused on crucial issues such as the first-phase release of hostages, Palestinian prisoners, and the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Israel’s ongoing campaign has led to over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, most of them civilians.
Netanyahu has expressed a willingness to release some hostages but remains focused on dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities in Gaza. Negotiations are centered on a phased ceasefire plan. There is hope to reach an agreement before Trump’s inauguration.
