Biden criticizes Netanyahu for insufficient efforts in rescuing Israel’s hostages

President Joe Biden expressed his belief that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to do more to secure a hostage deal and a cease-fire in Gaza. Biden stated that he does not think Netanyahu is currently doing enough on the issue. Negotiators are said to be close to presenting a final agreement to Israel and Hamas. The body of Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of six Hamas-held hostages, was found in a tunnel in Rafah, leading to protests and a general strike in Israel urging Netanyahu to accept a deal. Biden vowed to continue pushing for the release of the remaining hostages. A U.S. official clarified that Biden holds Hamas responsible for the hostages’ deaths and is urging urgency from the Israeli government to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Seven Americans are still believed to be among the 101 hostages. Biden and Netanyahu have not had a call in nearly two weeks, but their teams are in contact. Negotiators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been working to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with national security officials before heading to Pittsburgh for campaign events. Biden said he would be briefed on the situation in Israel and would comment later.

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