Biden told Netanyahu to finalize the deal 'as soon as possible' at a meeting in Washington

YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House Thursday afternoon. According to a readout from the White House, the two leaders discussed developments in Gaza and the ongoing negotiations on the ceasefire and hostage release deal in detail. 

“President Biden expressed the need to close the remaining gaps, finalize the deal as soon as possible, bring the hostages home, and reach a durable end to the war in Gaza,” the White House statement reads.

Biden also raised the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, the need to remove any obstacles to the flow of aid and to protect civilian lives during military operations.

“President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis,” the White House adds.

Biden's meeting with Netanyahu followed the Israeli prime minister's speech to the Congress on July 24, which sparked protests outside the Capitol. 

In the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants 1,200 people were killed in Israel and around 250 taken hostage. This started the Israel-Hamas war, which has killed more than 39,000 in the Palestinian enclave, according to the health authorities in Gaza.