Biden and Netanyahu Push Forward on Gaza Ceasefire Talks Ahead of Cairo Summit

U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal during a phone call. Biden emphasized the significance of upcoming Cairo talks. This follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's unsuccessful tour of the Middle East. The U.S. has increased military deployments in the region to support Israel.

In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Joe Biden underscored the need to finalize a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal, highlighting the importance of upcoming negotiations in Cairo, according to the White House.

The discussion came after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's whirlwind tour of the Middle East which concluded without reaching an agreement between Israel and Hamas militants. Negotiators will reconvene in Cairo in the coming days to overcome remaining obstacles.

President Biden reiterated U.S. support for Israel against Iranian threats and announced increased U.S. military deployments in the region. The Biden administration's efforts to mediate a ceasefire in the 10-month-old Gaza conflict remain a top priority.

(With inputs from agencies.)