Biden Criticizes Netanyahu Over Hostage Negotiations Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks

President Joe Biden criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for inadequate efforts in securing a hostage release deal in Gaza. This has intensified pressure on Netanyahu and sparked criticism of Biden's strategy. Biden and Kamala Harris met with the U.S. negotiation team to discuss the final steps of a potential agreement.

President Joe Biden issued a stark critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of not doing enough to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden revealed that the U.S. was on the verge of presenting a final proposal to negotiators working on a hostage and ceasefire agreement.

Over the weekend, Israeli forces discovered the bodies of six hostages, including 23-year-old American Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who had been killed by Palestinian Hamas militants. Biden's criticism has ignited further scrutiny of his administration's Gaza ceasefire strategy and increased pressure on Netanyahu to secure the return of other hostages.

In a meeting with the U.S. hostage negotiation team, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris discussed the next steps in their joint efforts with Qatar and Egypt to secure a deal. Both leaders expressed deep sorrow for the murdered hostages and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)