Biden-Netanyahu Call Discusses "Tactical Ceasefire Including Hostage Release"

The White House announced on the 6th (local time) that U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the possibility of a tactical ceasefire.

The White House also stated that Biden discussed with Netanyahu the need to hold accountable those responsible for the violent acts committed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The pursuit of a tactical ceasefire aims to provide civilians with an opportunity to safely leave combat zones, ensure the delivery of aid, and enable the potential release of hostages.

President Biden also expressed a firm policy of support for Israel while emphasizing the need to minimize Palestinian civilian casualties during military operations.

As the death toll of civilians from Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip amid the war with Hamas has surpassed 10,000, international criticism against both Israel and the U.S. has intensified. In response, the U.S. is increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel to secure a humanitarian ceasefire.

Biden and Netanyahu discussed the necessity of significantly expanding humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip and also talked about enhancing the inspection and search capabilities for vehicles carrying humanitarian supplies.

On the 5th (local time), residents in the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in the Gaza Strip are inspecting the rubble of buildings collapsed due to Israeli airstrikes. [Image source=Xinhua Yonhap News]

The two leaders also exchanged views on efforts underway to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Earlier, on the 3rd, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken proposed a humanitarian temporary ceasefire for hostage release during a meeting with Netanyahu. However, Netanyahu expressed a negative stance afterward, stating that he "rejects any temporary truce that does not include the release of hostages."

Nonetheless, Blinken stated that the U.S. is currently discussing detailed matters related to a humanitarian ceasefire with Israel. The day before, Blinken said, "We (the U.S. and Israel) agreed that teams from both countries would come together to resolve the detailed and practical issues of a temporary ceasefire." When asked if there had been any progress on the humanitarian ceasefire issue that day, he replied, "All of this is an ongoing matter." Regarding humanitarian aid, Blinken said, "You will see a significant expansion of support in the coming days."

In this regard, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), said during an online briefing that he "believes in the value of locally implemented humanitarian temporary ceasefires for specific purposes, such as allowing goods to enter (the Palestinian Gaza Strip) and enabling the exit of people, including hostages."

Kirby further commented on Israel's statement during Antony Blinken's visit on the 4th that "a temporary truce without hostage release is unacceptable," saying, "I think the discussion is not over but at an early stage of the process" regarding the humanitarian ceasefire. However, Kirby reiterated that he does not think it is appropriate to have a 'ceasefire' in the general sense under the current circumstances. The U.S. opposes a full ceasefire.