In their latest conversation, U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the potential terms of a ceasefire deal, which would entail the release of hostages held by Hamas, as stated in a White House release.
This dialogue coincided with the departure of U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken for the Middle East, marking his seventh diplomatic mission to the region since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza over six months ago. Blinken’s itinerary from April 29 to May 1 includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel.
Sources revealed that Biden and Netanyahu engaged in a roughly hour-long call focused on the ceasefire and the hostage situation.
Biden and Netanyahu (Credits: CNN)
The White House emphasized Biden’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and commended the successful interception of Iran’s recent missile and drone attack. The U.S. president previously asserted that the majority of the threats launched by Iran had been neutralized with American assistance.
The White House statement elaborated on the ongoing discussions to secure the release of hostages and achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Biden referred to a joint statement with 17 other world leaders, urging Hamas to promptly release their captives to facilitate a ceasefire and alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
Additionally, the leaders deliberated on increasing humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, including plans to open new northern crossings in the coming week. Biden stressed the importance of sustaining and enhancing this progress in close coordination with humanitarian organizations.
The conversation transpired shortly after Biden signed a bill authorizing $26 billion in military aid to Israel, which encompasses humanitarian relief for Gaza’s besieged population.
Biden and Netanyahu (Credits: Middle East Monitor)
Despite Biden’s steadfast support for Israel, he and other high-ranking U.S. officials have become increasingly critical of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly due to the rising civilian casualties.
The conflict erupted when Hamas launched an attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and over 200 individuals being taken hostage in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll has since exceeded 34,000, with more than 76,000 sustaining injuries, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The majority of casualties have been children and women, drawing global condemnation and intensifying pressure on Biden to adopt a more assertive stance towards Israel.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have surged worldwide, with protesters disrupting high-profile events and university campuses witnessing widespread protests. These demonstrations have attracted serious attention in the middle of crackdowns by school administrations and law enforcement.
