U.S. President Joe Biden emphasised the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said on Wednesday.
The conversation, which included Vice President Kamala Harris, also touched on upcoming talks in Cairo aimed at overcoming remaining obstacles to a truce, according to a brief White House statement.
Biden briefed Netanyahu on ongoing U.S. efforts to support Israel’s defence against threats from Iran and what the statement termed “Iran and terrorist organisations”, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The call follows a Middle East tour by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, aimed at pressing parties towards a ceasefire agreement.
Washington views a Gaza ceasefire as crucial to averting wider regional conflict, particularly in light of Iranian threats to retaliate for the July 31 killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act Iran attributes to Israel.
