(VOVWORLD) - US President Joe Biden on Wednesday asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to immediately deescalate tensions in the Gaza conflict “on the path” to a ceasefire, the White House said.
 US President Joe Biden (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The two leaders have discussed events in Gaza, Israel’s progress in degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other terrorist elements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional governments and the US, a White House spokesperson told reporters.
The US and Israel have conducted 4 phone calls in the last 7 days to discuss ways to stop the violence in the Gaza Strip. President Biden is facing increasing pressure, even from fellow Democrats, to take a more active and public role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel, US’s closest ally in the Middle East, and the militant group Hamas.
Hamas officials told CNN the same day that a ceasefire may be agreed in the next 24 hours. Reuters news agency said that, according to an Egyptian source, Israel and Hamas have agreed on a ceasefire deal.