Biden Pressures Netanyahu on Gaza Hostage Deal

Senior Israeli sources expressed surprise that President Joe Biden is pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu rather than Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar over a hostage deal in Gaza. They also warned that Biden's criticism could be dangerous, given recent executions of hostages by Hamas.

Senior Israeli sources remarked on Monday that President Joe Biden's pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over efforts to reach a hostage deal in Gaza was 'remarkable,' noting that the focus should be on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The sources highlighted that Biden's public statement accusing Netanyahu of not doing enough to facilitate the deal poses risks, especially after Hamas recently executed six hostages, including an American citizen.

The senior officials warned that this criticism might have dangerous implications, suggesting that the U.S. president needs to redirect his pressure towards Hamas for a more effective resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)