President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza before Biden leaves office on January 20th. Biden stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and the return of hostages, with a surge in humanitarian aid. Netanyahu updated Biden on progress made by his security delegation in Doha. The leaders also discussed regional changes following a ceasefire deal in Lebanon and other events.
Biden’s national security adviser indicated that the parties were close to reaching a deal but still needed to finalize it. Daily updates on the talks in Doha were provided to Biden. Israel launched its assault in Gaza after Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took hostages, leading to a humanitarian crisis with thousands of casualties. Vice President-elect JD Vance expects a deal for the release of American hostages in the Middle East to be announced in the final days of the Biden administration.
President-elect Donald Trump has supported Netanyahu’s goal of destroying Hamas and bringing peace to the Middle East but has not outlined how he would achieve this. Overall, efforts are being made to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza before Biden’s term ends.
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