US Pushes for Gaza Truce as President Biden’s Term Nears End
US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to push for a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages before President Biden leaves office on January 20, the White House confirmed. The conversation focused on accelerating negotiations for a deal to halt fighting and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the situation has become dire.
President Biden “stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal,” the White House said in a statement. Netanyahu updated the American president on the progress of ongoing talks and the instructions he has given to his security team currently in Doha to advance a potential agreement.
The two leaders also discussed the shifting dynamics in the region, including the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and Iran’s weakened influence.
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National security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN that negotiations are “very, very close” to a breakthrough but acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly with Hamas. “We are still determined to use every day we have in office to get this done,” Sullivan said, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to finalizing the deal.
Vice President-elect JD Vance suggested in a recorded interview on Fox News Sunday that a deal for the release of US hostages could be announced in the closing days—or even hours—of Biden’s presidency.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began after Hamas fighters attacked Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with much of the enclave devastated and most residents displaced.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged unwavering support for Israel’s fight against Hamas and has promised to bring peace to the Middle East, though he has yet to reveal how he plans to achieve that goal.
