US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss efforts to reach a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and free the remaining hostages held there. Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, stated that the parties were close to reaching a deal but still needed to finalize it. Sullivan emphasized that the Biden administration was determined to use every day in office to achieve a resolution. However, he acknowledged that there was a possibility of Hamas remaining intransigent. The assault in Gaza was launched by Israel after Hamas fighters crossed its borders in October 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and a humanitarian crisis.