Chicago January 13, 2025
President Joe Biden had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday as U.S. officials work quickly to finalize a deal for hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza before President Biden leaves office on January 20.
During their discussion, they talked about the ongoing efforts to stop the conflict in Gaza and release the 98 hostages still being held there, according to a statement from the White House.
Prime Minister Netanyahu informed President Biden about the latest developments in the negotiations. He mentioned that his top security team is currently in Doha trying to push forward a deal to free the hostages, as he stated.
Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, mentioned on CNN’s “State of the Union” that they are very close to reaching a deal but need to finalize it. He highlighted that President Biden receives daily updates on the discussions in Doha, where there has been some progress in the indirect talks between Israel and the militant group Hamas.
Sullivan emphasized the U.S. commitment to resolving this issue before the end of Biden’s term. He also noted the possibility of reaching an agreement, although there are challenges, particularly with Hamas’s stance.
The conflict in Gaza began when Hamas fighters attacked Israel in October 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages, as reported by Israel. The incoming President, Donald Trump, has expressed strong support for Israel and its efforts to defeat Hamas, pledging to bring peace to the region without detailing his plan.
