President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations. The two leaders discussed a release deal that was endorsed by the UN Security Council. The Biden administration, Egypt, and Qatar have been attempting to reach a compromise to secure a release for the captured hostages and end the war between Israel and Hamas. Biden stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire and the return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid. Netanyahu is committed to the first phase of a partial hostage release, while Hamas demands a full withdrawal and complete end to the fighting.