In a recent phone call, U.S. President Joe Biden requested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to initiate a temporary halt in the conflict in Gaza. This request comes as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to reduce tensions in the region. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the vital importance of safeguarding civilian lives during a separate conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The White House spokesperson earlier indicated that the leaders discussed the potential for a “tactical pause” in the fighting for humanitarian reasons and the possibility of releasing hostages. As reported on Tuesday by the American news site Axios, Biden suggested to Netanyahu that a three-day cessation of hostilities could facilitate the release of some hostages.
Citing a U.S. official, Axios detailed a proposal under discussion wherein the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) would release 10 to 15 individuals, using the ceasefire to verify all hostages’ identities and prepare a list of those to be freed.
In parallel, the White House stated that Vice President Harris, in her phone call with Israeli President Herzog, highlighted the significance of protecting civilian lives and respecting international humanitarian law. She also stressed the urgency of expediting aid to Gaza and holding extremist settlers accountable for violent acts in the occupied West Bank, as per her statement.
