U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages held in the enclave.
The discussion comes as Biden pushes for a truce before Donald Trump assumes the presidency on January 20. Ongoing negotiations, mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, aim to secure a phased ceasefire agreement, reports Al Jazeera.
High-level talks in Doha involve Mossad chief David Barnea and Biden’s Middle East advisor Brett McGurk. While Biden remains optimistic, national security advisor Jake Sullivan notes challenges in finalizing the agreement.
Israeli opposition to a comprehensive ceasefire, primarily from far-right factions, adds to the complexity. Netanyahu’s government faces internal dissent, with concerns the truce could destabilize his leadership.
The Gaza conflict, now exceeding 100 days, has left over 46,000 Palestinians dead, including thousands of women and children, and displaced 90% of the population. UN experts have described the devastation as a possible genocide.
