Biden Speaks with Netanyahu Amid Pressure for Israel-Hamas Deal

President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, April 28, 2024, amid mounting pressure for Israel and Hamas to reach a deal that would free Israeli hostages and bring a ceasefire to the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza. During the call, Biden reiterated his clear position against an Israeli incursion into Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, citing humanitarian concerns.

The White House said that Israeli leaders have assured U.S. officials that the invasion will not move forward until the U.S. has had a chance to weigh in. Biden stressed the need for progress in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, where over half of the 2.3 million population is seeking shelter. The two leaders also discussed ongoing talks to secure the release of hostages and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as well as increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week.

A senior Qatari official, who has been a key intermediary in the negotiations, voiced dissatisfaction with both Hamas and Israel, saying they have made decisions based on political interests rather than the welfare of civilians. The official urged both sides to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in the cease-fire negotiations, which have effectively stopped with both sides entrenched in their positions.

An Israeli delegation is expected in Egypt in the coming days to discuss the latest proposals, while a Hamas delegation will also head to Cairo. The growing pressure for a ceasefire deal is aimed at averting an Israeli attack on Rafah, where aid groups have warned an invasion would worsen the already desperate humanitarian situation.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in widespread suffering and a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 34,000 Palestinian casualties reported. The pressure for a ceasefire deal and the release of hostages underscores the urgent need to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Saudi Arabia this week to meet with Arab officials and seek a ceasefire agreement that would include the release of all hostages. The Gaza health ministry reported at least 66 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours, with a baby and toddler injured in an Israeli airstrike. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on the U.S. to prevent an Israeli assault on Rafah, warning it would force Palestinians to flee Gaza. The U.S. and international community have been pressuring Israel not to enter Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have fled the war and are living in dire conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Biden spoke with Netanyahu, urging against Israeli invasion of Rafah, Gaza.
• Israel assured U.S. it will not invade Rafah until U.S. weighs in.
• Qatari official voiced dissatisfaction with Hamas and Israel's political interests.
• Israel and Hamas delegations to meet in Egypt to discuss ceasefire proposals.
• Ongoing conflict has caused 34,000 Palestinian casualties, urgent need for ceasefire.