Biden and Netanyahu Talk Gaza: A Deal in Sight?

President Joe Biden had a chat with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. The White House shared that they discussed efforts to reach a deal to stop fighting in Gaza and bring home the remaining hostages. Biden emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire and the need to increase humanitarian aid once the fighting stops. Netanyahu filled Biden in on the progress of the talks in Doha, where a high-level security team is working on a hostage deal. They also talked about how the situation in the region has changed since the ceasefire in Lebanon, the fall of Syria's Assad regime, and Iran's weakened regional power.

Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said on CNN that they're almost there with a deal but still need to cross the finish line. He mentioned that there's a chance to finalize an agreement before Biden leaves office, but Hamas's stance could still be a roadblock. The conflict began when Israel started its assault in Gaza after Hamas fighters crossed the border, killing many and taking hostages. Since then, thousands have died, and the area has faced a massive humanitarian crisis. Vice President-elect JD Vance expects a deal for the release of U. S. hostages in the Middle East to be announced in the final days of the Biden administration. President-elect Donald Trump has supported Netanyahu's goal to destroy Hamas and promised peace in the Middle East, but didn't outline how he'd achieve it.

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