Biden and Netanyahu to discuss Gaza war, ceasefire talks

US President Joe Biden will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday for talks at the White House that are believed to focus on Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

A senior U.S. administration official told reporters Wednesday that Biden will express “his strong commitment to Israel’s security” and that the meeting will include the topic of threats from Iran-backed groups in the Middle East, such as Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi militants in Yemen.

In addition to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Biden and Netanyahu are also scheduled to discuss efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement that would include a halt to fighting, the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the enclave.

The US has been working with Egypt and Qatar to mediate ceasefire talks, which have dragged on for months amid competing demands from Israel and Hamas.

The senior U.S. administration official said a framework is basically in place for the first phase of a planned three-phase deal, and that the United States expects “a lot of activity over the next week” as negotiators try to seal a deal.

The first phase would last 42 days and include the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas, including women, men over 50, and sick and wounded people. The U.S. official said what remains to be determined are the implementation steps for the first phase, “how it will actually work day to day.”

“There are some things we need from Hamas, and there are some things we need from the Israeli side,” he said.

Following their meeting, Biden and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet with the families of Americans held by Hamas.

Netanyahu’s agenda also includes talks on Thursday with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now the Democratic front-runner for presidential election November. Republican candidate former President Donald Trump will host Netanyahu for talks on Friday.

Netanyahu was presented before the United States Congress on Wednesday to deliver a speech defending his country’s war against Hamas and vowing to continue the fight against the Palestinian militants until “total victory” and the return of the remaining hostages they are holding.

With Thousands of pro-Palestinian and peace protesters on the streets outside the Capitol In Washington, with more than 50 Democratic lawmakers boycotting his speech, Netanyahu said he was confident that ceasefire negotiations would ultimately succeed. But he gave no indication of a breakthrough in the months-long, stalled talks.

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