Netanyahu Approves Dispatch of Negotiation Team for Ceasefire Talks with Hamas
On the 4th (local time in the United States), U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss a ceasefire plan for the Israel-Hamas war.
According to a White House press release, during the call with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Biden discussed ongoing efforts to finalize the release of hostages held by the Palestinian armed group Hamas and to reach a ceasefire agreement.
President Biden welcomed Israel's decision to negotiate hostage release and a ceasefire together with the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, reaffirming a steadfast commitment to Israel's defense. The two leaders also welcomed the plan to hold a strategic consultation group meeting between their national security teams on the 15th.
A senior U.S. government official said during an online briefing that they believe a "pretty significant opening" has been made toward reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The official explained that Hamas's recent responses regarding the ceasefire and hostage release could "advance the process and provide a foundation to finalize the agreement." However, the official noted that this does not mean an agreement is expected within days, emphasizing that important matters remain.
Before the call with President Biden, Prime Minister Netanyahu approved sending a delegation for ceasefire and hostage negotiations with the Palestinian armed group Hamas. He also reiterated the existing position that the war will only end once all war objectives are achieved. According to the Israeli Prime Minister's office, he conveyed this policy during the call with President Biden as well. A source from the Israeli negotiation team told the daily Times of Israel, "A genuine opportunity to conclude hostage release negotiations has arrived," adding, "The ceasefire proposal delivered by Hamas includes a very significant breakthrough."
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