WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden has asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of captives, the White House said. This call came following reports that Israeli attacks had killed around 50 Palestinian people within 24 hours, highlighting the current conflict’s devastating toll on civilians.
President Biden, joined by Kamala Harris, emphasized the importance of finalizing the ceasefire and captive deal during the conversation. According to the White House, President Biden also discussed upcoming dialogue in Cairo aimed at removing any remaining obstacles to achieving peace. Talks from Egypt, the US, Israel, and Qatar are set to meet in Cairo, Egypt to attempt to bridge the gap between Hamas and Israel. Despite these efforts, they remain firm in their demands.
Israeli Prime Minister’s office reiterated Netanyahu’s determination to meet its war objectives. Meanwhile, Hamas has maintained its position in the talks. According to The Associated Press (AP), key mediator Egypt has expressed skepticism regarding the proposal meant to bridge gaps in ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel as more details emerged a day before talks were expected to resume in Cairo.
AP reported that the challenges around the so-called bridging proposal appeared to undermine the optimism for an imminent deal that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken carried into his latest Mideast trip this week.
Diplomatic efforts have also redoubled as fears increase of a wider regional conflict following the recent targeted killings of leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas groups, both blamed on Israel, and threats of retaliation.
