Washington – US President Joe Biden, during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday, Sunday, reviewed the ongoing negotiations regarding a prisoner exchange deal and a ceasefire in Gaza.
The White House said in a statement: “The US President spoke earlier today with the Israeli Prime Minister. “Biden reaffirmed his firm commitment to Israel’s security following the successful defense once morest Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack earlier this month.”
The statement added: “They also reviewed the ongoing talks to ensure the release of the hostages with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the president referred to his statement with 17 other world leaders calling on Hamas to release its citizens without delay to ensure a ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza.”
The White House explained, “The US President and the Israeli Prime Minister also discussed increasing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including through preparations to open new northern crossings (north of the Gaza Strip), starting this week.”
According to the statement, “The President stressed the need to sustain and enhance this progress in full coordination with humanitarian organizations.” The two leaders discussed the issue of Rafah, and the president affirmed his clear position.”
On Thursday, the United States and 17 other countries issued an appeal in which they called on the Hamas movement to release the sick, wounded, and elderly prisoners as “a way to end the crisis in Gaza.”
While briefing reporters on the statement, a senior American official said that there are some indications that there may be a way to reach an agreement on the prisoner crisis, but he is not completely confident. He did not address further details, but said that the decision depends on “one person,” namely Yahya Al-Sinwar, head of Hamas’ political bureau in Gaza.
Qatar is mediating with the United States and Egypt to reach a truce in the Palestinian Strip and release Israeli prisoners in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
For his part, Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri said on Thursday that the movement is adhering to its demand to “stop the Israeli aggression” once morest Gaza within the framework of any agreement to release the prisoners detained there.
Source: RT
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2024-04-28 21:20:37
