Biden requests from Netanyahu end of war
The relationship between the US President and Israel's Prime Minister has been tense for a long time. At their meeting at the White House, Joe Biden reiterated his support for Israel, but stressed that the Gaza war must come to a permanent end.
US President Joe Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a swift agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza war during their meeting at the White House. According to a statement from the White House, Biden emphasized the need to "close the remaining gaps, quickly conclude the agreement, bring the hostages home, and achieve a permanent end to the war in Gaza."
The relationship between Biden and Netanyahu has been tense for a long time. The Israeli leadership's actions in the Gaza war have further strained the situation. During his meeting with Netanyahu, Biden again urged humanitarian aid to be strengthened in Gaza and the protection of civilians to be improved. It is necessary to "eliminate all obstacles for the flow of aid and restore basic necessities to the needy," the statement continued.
Biden had stated in a television address a few days after his decision not to run for re-election that he would focus on issues such as ending the war in the Gaza Strip during the remaining months of his presidency.
Relatives of the hostages expressed new hope after their encounter with Biden and Netanyahu, according to a report. They are now "more optimistic than before," quoted US news portal "Axios" three sources who were present at the meeting. The meeting took place as part of Biden's efforts to put pressure on Netanyahu to reach an agreement. Netanyahu promised the relatives, in the presence of Biden, that Israel would present an updated proposal for an agreement within a few days.
Indirect negotiations continue
Indirect negotiations, in which the US, Qatar, and Egypt act as mediators, are expected to continue in the coming week in Doha, Qatar's capital. Netanyahu had previously, during a speech before both houses of the US Congress, disappointed the hopes of hostage relatives by not announcing an agreement and instead dismissing any criticism of the actions in Gaza.
Democratic presidential candidate and US Vice President Kamala Harris also urged the Israeli leadership to do more for the suffering population in the Gaza Strip during her meeting with Netanyahu. "Israel has the right to defend itself, and it's important how it does that," said the 59-year-old. She expressed her "grave concern over the extent of human suffering in the Gaza Strip" which included "the death of too many innocent civilians" and the catastrophic humanitarian situation. "We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become insensitive, and I will not be silent," Harris said.
At the same time, Harris and Biden reaffirmed their commitment to Israel. Biden reiterated the "unwavering commitment of the United States to Israel's security against all threats from Iran and its proxies," including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, and the Huthi militia in Yemen, according to the statement.
During the meeting, Biden emphasized the importance of Kamala Harris sharing her concerns with Netanyahu about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, mentioning the high number of civilian casualties and the urgent need for action.
The tense relationship between Biden and Netanyahu was also evident in the context of the Gazistrip, as Netanyahu's leadership actions in the region had been a point of contention.
Subsequently, Netanyahu pledged to present a new agreement proposal regarding the hostage situation in Gaza within a few days, following his discussions with Biden and the affected families.
