WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Thursday welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to send a delegation for ceasefire talks with Hamas to secure the release of hostages seized in the October 7 attacks, according to the White House.
In a statement following their phone conversation, the White House detailed that Biden and Netanyahu discussed the recent developments regarding Hamas’s proposals and efforts to advance towards a resolution.
“The leaders discussed the recent response received from Hamas” and “the President welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to authorize his negotiators to engage with US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators in an effort to close out the deal,” the White House said in a readout of their call.
Biden welcomed Netanyahu’s decision to authorize Israeli negotiators to engage with mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to facilitate progress in the negotiations.
Netanyahu’s office also affirmed the decision in a statement, noting that the Israeli delegation would continue discussions aimed at securing the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Reports indicate that Netanyahu has called for a meeting of his security cabinet late on Thursday to evaluate new proposals presented by Hamas through Qatari mediators. Hamas has emphasized the cessation of hostilities and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as prerequisites for any potential hostage release agreement.
Israel, on its part, has insisted that a resolution to the conflict must include the safe return of hostages from Palestinian territory. Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza will continue until Hamas’s military infrastructure is dismantled.
Biden’s administration has been actively engaged in facilitating mediation efforts between the conflicting parties. Sources close to the mediation process have indicated a recent intensification in bridging the gaps between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier in May, Biden proposed a truce deal which included a six-week ceasefire to enable dialogue and initiate a comprehensive program for the reconstruction of Gaza. Diplomatic sources have expressed optimism regarding the latest proposals, noting potentially beneficial options for both sides in the ongoing negotiations.
Since October 7 last year, Israel has launched a relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza killing at least 38,011 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to figures from the territory’s health ministry.
