Biden says US pushing for Israel-Hamas deal on hostages and pause in fighting, but tempers expectations
President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that the US is pushing for Israel and Hamas to reach a deal that would include a pause in fighting and the release of hostages.
“We’re pushing it. There’s no expectation at this point, but we are pushing,” he told reporters as he arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Earlier, CNN reported that a general framework had emerged in talks that would entail hostages being released in phases in exchange for a cessation in fighting.
Sources stressed, however, that a deal was not imminent.
"These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope they’ll lead somewhere," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Kirby said he didn't have anything specific to announce Wednesday.
Biden was also asked to respond to reports from the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Ministry of Health that the death toll in Gaza since October 7 will likely surpass 20,000 later Wednesday, the president told reporters traveling with him in Milwaukee, “It’s tragic,” before boarding his motorcade.
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