U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday where the leaders discussed the terms of a possible ceasefire deal that would include the release of hostages held captive by Hamas, according to a statement from the White House.
Biden's talk with Netanyahu comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken departed for a trip to the Middle East, his seventh ambassadorial mission to the region since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza started more than six months ago. Blinken's public schedule shows the secretary will be traveling from April 29 to May 1 and visiting Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel.
A Biden administration official told The New York Times that the call between Biden and Netanyahu lasted roughly an hour and focused mainly on the possible ceasefire and hostage deal.
In a statement after the call with the Israeli leader, the White House said Biden "reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel's security." The statement also highlighted the successful defense against Iran's missile and drone attack earlier this month. Biden previously said the U.S. helped Israel take down "nearly all" of the threats launched by Iran.
The White House said Biden and Netanyahu "also reviewed ongoing talks to secure the release of hostages together with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza."
"The President referred to his statement with 17 other world leaders demanding that Hamas release their citizens without delay to secure a ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza," the White House statement reads. "The President and the Prime Minister also discussed increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week. The President stressed the need for this progress to be sustained and enhanced in full coordination with humanitarian organizations. The leaders discussed Rafah and the President reiterated his clear position."
Newsweek reached out via email to representatives for the White House, Department of State and Netanyahu's office for comment.
Sunday's call comes just days after Biden signed an aid bill authorizing $26 billion in military aid to Israel, which includes humanitarian relief for people in besieged Gaza.
While remaining steadfast in his support for Israel, Biden and other top U.S. officials have been increasingly critical of Israel's military offensive in the besieged territory, where the mounting civilian death toll has sparked protests around the world.
Israel promptly declared war when Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on October 7, 2023, that left roughly 1,200 people dead and saw over 200 more taken hostage in Gaza. In nearly seven months of bloodshed, the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 34,000, with more than 76,000 wounded in the besieged territory, according to the Associated Press, per the Gaza Health Ministry. While the Hamas-run ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in their tally, it notes at least two-thirds have been children and women.
The staggering number of Palestinian deaths has sparked widespread criticism and scrutiny from across the globe. The death toll and harrowing photos of children dead in the rubble of wrecked buildings ignited continued demands for a ceasefire and increased pressure on Biden to take a tougher line on Israel, a longtime U.S. ally.
In recent weeks, the pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been more disruptive, with protesters getting arrested in droves and swarming high-profile events. On Saturday evening, protesters attempted to block guests from entering the venue of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Protesters also hung a massive Palestinian flag from the side of the Washington D.C. hotel where the annual event was being held shortly before Biden delivered a speech.
College campuses across the U.S. have seen waves of pro-Palestinian demonstrations since Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza started.
These campus protests have garnered national attention recently amid crackdowns by school administrators and law enforcement at several prominent universities.
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About the writer
Maura Zurick is the Newsweek Weekend Night Editor based in Cleveland, Ohio. Her focus is reporting on U.S. national news ... Read more
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