US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks to assess the progress of ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire-hostage deal concerning the situation in Gaza, as stated by the White House on Sunday.
Negotiations in Doha
The discussions are currently being mediated in Doha, Qatar, involving a high-profile Israeli delegation. The team includes:
- Mossad Director David Barnea
- Internal Security Agency Director Ronen Bar
- Netanyahu’s Foreign Policy Adviser Ophir Falk
The negotiations are reportedly centered around a plan based on the May 27, 2024, framework proposed by President Biden and unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council.
White House Statement
“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 White House statement read.
Regional Developments
President Biden highlighted key regional changes that underscore the urgency of the negotiations:
- Ceasefire in Lebanon
- Collapse of the Assad regime in Syria
- Weakening of Iran’s influence
Biden emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and a halt to fighting to allow for increased humanitarian aid.
Netanyahu’s Response
Prime Minister Netanyahu provided updates on the mandate he gave his negotiating team in Doha, expressing gratitude to President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for their cooperative efforts.
“The Prime Minister discussed with the American President the progress in the negotiations to release our hostages… Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for cooperating in this sacred mission,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated.
Previous Developments
In late 2024, Qatar mediated a week-long ceasefire, which lasted from November 24 to December 1, setting a precedent for the current talks.