Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with outgoing US President Joe Biden on Sunday to provide updates on negotiations aimed at securing the release of captives held in Gaza.

The call came as high-level talks continued in Qatar, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.

A readout from Biden's office confirmed the discussion, noting that the president emphasized the "immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages, along with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal."

Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister briefed Biden on the progress of the talks and the directives given to the Israeli negotiating team in Doha. "The prime minister discussed with the American president the progress in the negotiations for the release of our hostages and updated him on the mandate he has given to the negotiating team in Doha," read the statement.

A senior Israeli delegation, including the heads of Mossad and the Shin Bet internal security agency, has arrived in Doha for the negotiations. The visit follows a meeting in al-Quds between Netanyahu, US President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, a representative of Biden, and senior Israeli officials.

The indirect negotiations with Hamas resumed in Qatar last weekend, marking a renewed effort to reach a resolution. For over a year, the United States has been mediating discussions aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of hostages.

Israeli advocacy group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called the ongoing talks "a historic opportunity" and urged negotiators to secure the release of all captives. "Leave no stone unturned and return with an agreement that ensures the return of all hostages, down to the last one," the group said in a statement.

Related News

Trump confirms split with Elon Musk amid Democrat funding threat

White House listed Tucker Carlson as potential TikTok investor: FT

Talks on deal progressing

The sides involved in negotiations over the release of captives in the Gaza Strip are nearing an agreement, with the possibility of a breakthrough before Trump takes office on January 20, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

Speaking to CNN, Sullivan said that progress was made but acknowledged that the agreement is not finalized. "We are very, very close," Sullivan stated while cautioning that "the finish line has not been crossed yet." 

Sullivan claimed that Brett McGurk, the White House Coordinator for the Middle East, has been in Doha for a week working on the final details of the agreement. "We are still determined to use every day we have in office to get this done," he added.

Biden receives daily updates on the situation and is expected to hold discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon, Sullivan noted. "And we are not by any stretch of the imagination setting this aside. There is a possibility this comes together," he said.

Positive signals from Hamas

Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported Friday evening that Qatar had sent a highly positive message to the Israeli occupation regarding Hamas' intention to advance in negotiations.

According to the report, the message focused on the list of Israeli captives who have remained alive in Gaza. Following this communication, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an urgent phone meeting with a select group of ministers and negotiation team members.

US officials involved in the prisoner exchange negotiations told Kan, "The essence of the discussions revolves around transitioning from the first phase to the second phase, with an understanding of the need to link both phases to achieve the deal."

Meanwhile, Channel 12 cited sources expressing optimism within the Israeli security and military establishment about the possibility of reaching a prisoner exchange agreement.