Biden criticizes Netanyahu for insufficient efforts in securing hostages
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US President Joe Biden has expressed dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Biden revealed that he is nearing the presentation of a final proposal for a hostage deal but stated that he does not believe Netanyahu is doing enough to facilitate such an agreement.
This statement came shortly after Israeli forces recovered the bodies of six hostages, including 23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, from a tunnel in Gaza. The discovery has intensified criticism of the Biden administration's ceasefire strategy in Gaza and increased domestic pressure on Netanyahu to bring the remaining hostages back safely.
When asked about Netanyahu's efforts to secure a deal, Biden simply replied, "No," without offering further details. He also mentioned that the final proposal for the hostage deal is close to completion, adding, "Hope springs eternal" when asked if he believed the deal would be successful.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were scheduled to meet with the US negotiating team later that day to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.