US President Joe Biden held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to review ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire-hostage deal concerning the Gaza conflict, the White House announced on Sunday.
The negotiations are being held in Doha, Qatar, and involve a high-level Israeli delegation, including Mossad Director David Barnea, Internal Security Agency Chief Ronen Bar, and Netanyahu’s Foreign Policy Adviser Ophir Falk, among others.
According to the White House statement, discussions are based on the May 27, 2024, framework proposed by President Biden and unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council.
“President Biden spoke today with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel. The two leaders discussed the ongoing negotiations in Doha for a ceasefire and hostage release deal based on the May 27, 2024, arrangement described by the President last year and endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council,” the statement read.
Reports indicate resistance to the proposal from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, according to CNN.
President Biden emphasized the shifting dynamics in the Middle East following a recent ceasefire in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and Iran’s reduced regional influence. He underscored the importance of securing a ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the return of hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid.
“The President discussed the fundamentally changed regional circumstances following the ceasefire deal in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the weakening of Iran’s power in the region. He stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of the hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid facilitated by halting the fighting,” the statement said.
Netanyahu updated Biden on the directives given to his negotiating team in Doha and expressed gratitude for Biden’s support, as well as that of US President-elect Donald Trump.
“The Prime Minister discussed with the American President the progress in the negotiations to release our hostages and updated him on the mandate he gave to the negotiating team in Doha. Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for their cooperation in this sacred mission,” a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said.
Earlier this year, Qatar brokered a week-long ceasefire between warring parties, effective from November 24 to December 1, 2024. The ceasefire provided a brief reprieve in the ongoing conflict and laid the groundwork for the current negotiations.
