On the 2nd, US President Biden said he believes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is not making enough efforts to negotiate the release of hostages held by the Islamic organization Hamas.

When asked by reporters, “Mr. President, do you think it’s time for Prime Minister Netanyahu to do more on this issue? Do you think he’s doing enough?” President Biden replied, “No.”

When asked whether he would present a deal to Israel and Hamas to release the hostages this week, Biden said, “We’re very close.”

President Biden and Vice President Harris then met with the U.S. government’s hostage release negotiating team and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing discussions with intermediary countries Egypt and Qatar to hold Hamas accountable.