President Joe Biden has expressed strong criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to secure a cease-fire and negotiate the release of remaining hostages in Gaza.
The comments follow the confirmation of the deaths of six hostages, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, in the conflict-ridden region.
As negotiations between Israel and Hamas have stalled, Biden is reportedly weighing the presentation of a final proposal aimed at resolving the crisis. On Monday morning, he returned to the White House and convened a meeting with the U.S. hostage negotiation team to discuss possible next steps.
When reporters asked if Netanyahu was doing enough to address the situation, Biden responded unequivocally, “No.” He also indicated that a “final” proposed deal for a cease-fire and hostage release could be forthcoming. “We’re very close to that,” Biden said, though senior officials noted that no definitive decision has been made yet.
According to administration sources, Biden is deliberating whether to propose a new framework to bridge existing gaps or to continue with ongoing negotiations. The potential collapse of current talks could mark the end of U.S.-led mediation efforts.
The White House confirmed that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received an update on the status of a bridging proposal involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. The statement underscored the administration’s commitment to holding Hamas accountable and stressed the urgency of resolving the situation.
“Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes,” Biden asserted on social media after the meeting.
Vice President Harris echoed Biden’s call for a cease-fire and the swift return of hostages. In a post to social media, she condemned the murders of Goldberg-Polin and the other hostages, describing the acts as “barbaric” and underscoring the need to end the suffering in Gaza.
While Biden worked with his team in Washington, protests erupted in Tel Aviv demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu agree to a cease-fire and negotiate with Hamas. Netanyahu defended ongoing efforts and criticised Hamas for not engaging in genuine negotiations. “He who murders hostages does not want a deal,” he said in a statement.
Hamas countered by accusing Israel of evading a cease-fire agreement. Currently, 97 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, including seven Americans, with three confirmed dead.
On Monday, a funeral procession for Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was kidnapped on October 7 while celebrating his birthday at a music festival, was held in Jerusalem. President Biden expressed profound sadness and outrage over the deaths, praising Goldberg-Polin’s parents for their courage and endurance.
“I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel. They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable,” Biden said. “I admire and grieve with them more deeply than words express.”
