In a phone call on Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the urgent need for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal. Biden highlighted the importance of the upcoming talks in Cairo, which are seen as crucial in overcoming the remaining obstacles to achieving a truce between Israel and Hamas.
The call followed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to the Middle East, which ended without a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Negotiators from both sides are expected to meet in Cairo in the coming days to continue discussions.
“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,” a White House statement said.
Biden and Netanyahu also discussed U.S. efforts to support Israel against threats from Iran and its affiliated groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, with ongoing U.S. military deployments in the region.
Tensions remain high as Iran has vowed retaliation over the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, an act it attributes to Israel, though Israel has not confirmed its involvement.
As part of the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s defense, a guided missile submarine and the Abraham Lincoln strike group have been deployed to the Middle East. Meanwhile, Biden is focused on securing a ceasefire deal, which has been difficult to finalize despite ongoing negotiations.