WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden expressed his disappointment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to free the remaining hostages held in Gaza following Hamas’ murder of six Israeli captives. Biden made the statement as he arrived at the White House for a meeting to discuss a potential ceasefire deal.
During the meeting, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received updates on the status of the negotiation efforts between Israel and Hamas, with a focus on bridging the gaps between the two parties. The President reiterated his commitment to securing the release of the hostages through continued consultations with mediators from Qatar and Egypt.
One of the key sticking points in the negotiations is Israel’s presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land used by Hamas for arms smuggling. While Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from the area, Netanyahu insists on maintaining a substantial presence there.
Despite calls for compromise from Israel’s security establishment, led by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his position. The recent deaths of the hostages, who were killed by Hamas terrorists during a rescue operation, have further complicated the situation.
Following a press conference where Netanyahu defended Israel’s stance, Biden reiterated his commitment to pushing for a resolution. He also expressed condolences to the parents of Hersh, one of the slain hostages, and vowed to continue working towards a solution.
As the negotiations continue, Biden has indicated that the U.S. is close to presenting a final proposal to both parties in the hopes of reaching a ceasefire agreement. The President’s remarks come amid a temporary strike in Israel and widespread mourning for the victims of the hostage crisis.
The ongoing efforts to secure the release of the hostages remain a top priority for the Biden administration, with a focus on finding a resolution that addresses the concerns of both Israel and Hamas.