On the 2nd, US President Biden expressed his view that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is not making sufficient efforts to free hostages held by the Islamic fundamentalist group Hamas. He answered questions from reporters before meeting with the US government’s hostage release negotiating team at the White House.

When asked if he thought Netanyahu was doing enough, Biden replied, “No.” When asked if he would present a draft agreement to Israel and Hamas this week to free the hostages, he said, “We’re very close to that.” (Kyodo News)