President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on Sunday to discuss the ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations.

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden spoke on Sunday (Jan 12) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said, as US officials race to reach a Gaza hostage a

The White House said Biden "stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with outgoing US President Joe Biden, updating him on progress in negotiations to reach a hostage release deal in Gaza.