In an interview on MSNBC’s The Last Word Thursday, President Joe Biden stated he began urging Israeli leaders to minimize civilian casualties in their response to Hamas shortly after the October 7 terrorist attacks. Biden recounted discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Israel about 10 days after the attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a "last-minute crisis" with Hamas is holding up the ceasefire agreement that would release hostages.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Haya reportedly pledged another attack similar to the October 7 massacre during a press conference Wednesday, shortly after a tentative ceasefire agreement was announced.
Hamas has agreed to a proposed ceasefire draft and the release of dozens of hostages as negotiations with Israel progress, according to officials involved in the talks.
President Joe Biden delivered a speech at the State Department on Monday, reflecting on his foreign policy achievements as his presidency enters its final week.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza have seen limited progress, according to Palestinian sources involved in the negotiations.