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Biden and Netanyahu Discuss Release of 98 Gaza Hostages Before Trump's Inauguration

Jan 12, 2025, 05:00 PM

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to discuss ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of 98 hostages. The discussions are part of a broader effort to secure an agreement before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. Jake Sullivan, Biden's National Security Adviser, indicated that the parties are 'very, very close' to reaching a deal, but cautioned that some final steps remain. Netanyahu updated Biden on the progress and the mandate he has given to a high-level Israeli security delegation in Doha, including Mossad Head David Barnea, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and the military's head of the hostage brief, Nitzan Alon, to advance the hostage release negotiations. The talks involve mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., with Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, also engaging in discussions with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Israeli leaders. The urgency of the negotiations is driven by the impending change in U.S. administration, with Biden's team keen to finalize an agreement before leaving office.