Meeting Netanyahu, Biden Urges Ceasefire – 2024-07-26 16:12:58

Demonstration against Israeli PM Netanyahu in Washington DC, US. (Doc Al-Jazeera)

US PRESIDENT Joe Biden stressed the need to close remaining gaps, finalize a ceasefire and a deal to free hostages in Gaza as he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his presidential residence.

“President Biden stated the need to close the remaining gaps, complete the deal as soon as possible, return the hostages, and end the war in Gaza,” the White House said in an official statement quoted on Friday (26/7).

Biden also discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the need to remove any obstacles to the flow of aid and restore basic services to those in need, and the importance of protecting civilian lives during military operations.

“President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis,” the White House statement said.

The visit to the White House is Netanyahu’s first since Biden took office in 2021 amid recurring rifts between the two allies.

However, international pressure for a ceasefire to end the bloodshed and destruction in Gaza continues to grow as the death toll rapidly approaches 40,000.

Also read: Biden Supports Israel’s Statement on Bombing of Gaza Hospital

Netanyahu also met with Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed her concerns about the situation in the Gaza Strip. Harris said she made clear her serious concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“More than 2 million people are facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people are facing very severe levels of acute food insecurity,” Harris told reporters after a closed-door meeting with Netanyahu.

The meeting came a day after Netanyahu addressed a joint session of the US Congress, claiming that the war in Gaza had one of the lowest ratios of combatant to noncombatant casualties in the history of urban warfare.

Meanwhile, the war has taken a toll on Biden’s popularity among Democrats. If he can secure a ceasefire, it would be a boon for Harris as she runs for president after Biden decides to step down and endorse Harris to replace him. (Ant/Z-2)