Biden Urges Netanyahu to Reach Gaza Ceasefire

US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the urgent need for a ceasefire and a hostage release deal amid faltering negotiations. Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasized the importance of closing the gaps in talks, which have been complicated by Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) presence in key security corridors. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visits to the region aimed to promote a 'bridging proposal', but some Arab officials criticized the US for accommodating Netanyahu's demands without addressing Hamas's concerns. As discussions remain delicate, Biden is reportedly pressuring Netanyahu to show greater flexibility to advance the stalled agreement. The situation is further complicated by a potential high-level meeting with negotiators in Cairo, which is uncertain at this time. Overall, the negotiations reflect deep regional tensions and the challenges of reconciling security concerns with the need for diplomacy.