New York: U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas, emphasizing the critical importance of concluding the agreement ahead of crucial talks in Cairo. The White House highlighted the urgency of the situation, as negotiators prepare to meet in an effort to end the conflict in Gaza.
The conversation followed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s diplomatic trip to the Middle East, which ended without a truce agreement between Israel and Hamas. Negotiators are set to meet in Cairo to iron out remaining obstacles and push forward with the ceasefire talks.
“The president stressed the urgency of bringing the ceasefire and hostage release deal to closure and discussed upcoming talks in Cairo to remove any remaining obstacles,” the White House stated regarding the call.
During the conversation, Biden and Netanyahu also addressed the United States’ ongoing support for Israel in countering threats from Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. This includes continued U.S. military deployments in the region to bolster Israel’s defense.
Following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, which Iran blames on Israel, tensions have escalated. Iran has vowed retaliation, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the incident.
To support Israel’s defense capabilities, the U.S. has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and accelerated the deployment of the Abraham Lincoln strike group to the region.
In parallel to these developments, Vice President Kamala Harris joined the call with Biden and Netanyahu as she prepares to formally accept the Democratic presidential nomination in Chicago.
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Reports indicate that Biden was expected to press Netanyahu on softening Israel’s new demand to retain forces along the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. However, Netanyahu’s office denied reports suggesting that Israel had agreed to withdraw its troops from the corridor, which remains a point of contention in ceasefire negotiations.
For Biden, securing a ceasefire in Gaza remains a top priority, as the 10-month conflict continues. Despite progress in negotiations, a final agreement remains elusive. Hamas is seeking a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists on retaining control of the Philadelphi corridor to prevent the smuggling of weapons through tunnels used by Gaza’s militant groups.
