Washington: US President Joe Biden discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the ongoing negotiations in Doha regarding a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a hostage release deal, the White House said on Sunday.
“The two leaders discussed the ongoing negotiations in Doha for a ceasefire and hostage release deal … He [Biden] stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal,” the White House said in a statement.
The two leaders discussed the negotiation progress based on the May 27, 2024 arrangements, unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council, according to the statement.
Netanyahu thanked Biden for the extraordinary support for Israel’s security and national defense from the US, the statement said.
On October 7, 2023, during a Hamas attack on southern Israeli settlements, the militants captured more than 250 people and took them to the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli data, 98 people are still held captive by Hamas, including those believed to be dead. During various operations and humanitarian efforts, 156 people were returned from Hamas captivity, including the dead hostages whose bodies were taken out of Gaza. The hostages, including women, children and the elderly, have been held captive for more than 15 months. Among the hostages held captive, there are also two with Russian citizenship.
