White House Statement on Biden-Netanyahu Phone Call
The White House has released a written statement regarding the phone call between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and US President Biden, in which Netanyahu thanked the Israeli occupation for its support and Biden spoke of his country’s determination to support Israel.
The statement, which stated that the leaders discussed the ceasefire and prisoner exchange issues in line with the plan presented by Biden, also shared that Hamas’ response was also discussed. It was emphasized that Biden was pleased with Netanyahu’s approval of the talks conducted by the Israeli team through the US, Qatar and Egypt regarding the ceasefire.
Hamas Ceasefire Offer and Prisoner Swap Talks
Israel’s Foreign Intelligence Service Mossad announced that the parties mediating the negotiations regarding Hamas’ ceasefire offer have conveyed Hamas’ response to the Israeli negotiating team. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the Tel Aviv government is “closer than ever” to a prisoner swap agreement with Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip, during a meeting with relatives of the prisoners.
According to Israeli press reports, Netanyahu has decided to send a delegation from Israel to the prisoner swap talks with Hamas. It was noted that Netanyahu will convene his Security Cabinet today to evaluate Hamas’ response.