US President Joe Biden discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu efforts to de-escalate the Middle East, the White House reports.
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“Biden spoke with Netanyahu to discuss a ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. Vice President Harris also joined the call,” the White House press office said.
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Last week, talks on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip were held in Doha with the participation of Qatar, Egypt, the United States and Israel. The leadership of the Hamas movement refused to participate in the negotiations due to the lack of specifics on the terms of the truce.
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A joint statement from the United States, Qatar and Egypt, released by the office of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, said mediators had presented Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement with a ceasefire proposal that would reduce differences between the parties. According to the statement, the talks held on Thursday and Friday in the Qatari capital Doha were serious and constructive and took place in a positive atmosphere. The statement said senior government officials from Egypt, the United States and Qatar would meet in Cairo before the end of next week in hopes of reaching an agreement under the terms proposed on Friday.
