Israel Biden and Netanyahu talk about Gaza negotiations

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden once again insisted on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Biden emphasized "the urgency" of an agreement that includes the release of the hostages in the hands of the Islamist Hamas, the White House announced after the phone call. US Vice President Kamala Harris, who wants to succeed Biden in the White House for the Democrats after the presidential election on November 5, was also present during the conversation with Netanyahu, it said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been in Israel for talks in recent days and then traveled on to Egypt and Qatar. The two Arab states are mediating together with the USA in the indirect negotiations on an agreement between Israel and Hamas. According to the White House, Biden also spoke with Netanyahu about "upcoming talks" in Cairo, which are intended to remove obstacles to a deal.

Biden and Netanyahu also reportedly discussed ongoing US efforts to support "Israel's defense against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terror groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis". These efforts included ongoing US military operations. The US has recently further increased its military presence in the Middle East.