Biden Presses for Gaza Ceasefire in Talks with Netanyahu

U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met to discuss a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Vice President Kamala Harris, who Biden endorsed for the 2024 presidential nomination, also met Netanyahu. The talks took place amid ongoing negotiations and heightened security at the White House.

U.S. President Joe Biden pressed for a ceasefire in the nine-month-old war in Gaza during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking their first face-to-face talks since Biden's visit to Israel post the Hamas attack on October 7. Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to meet Netanyahu later in the day, potentially signaling her stance on American policy towards Israel as the 2024 election approaches.

John Kirby, White House national security spokesperson, stated that while gaps remain between Israel and Hamas, the possibility of a ceasefire is closer than ever. U.S. officials emphasized the need for both sides to compromise, with Biden's decision to endorse Harris for the presidential nomination reflecting a strategic shift in American politics, aimed at unifying the Democratic Party against Republican contender Donald Trump.

Netanyahu's visit comes on the heels of Biden stepping aside from the election race and intensified U.S. efforts to mediate a ceasefire-for-hostages deal. As negotiations reach a critical juncture, the White House faces mounting pressure from protesters and internal party divisions over the Gaza conflict. The outcome of these high-stakes talks could influence voter sentiment in key states for the upcoming elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)