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A long-awaited cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage deal appears to be on the verge of finally being secured, according to a statement released by the Hamas terrorist group on Monday.
“We renew the alliance with our patient people. We confirm that the release of our prisoners is close,” Hamas released in a statement following overnight negotiations in Qatar and a Sunday call between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During the phone call, the two discussed a release deal first talked about in May of last year, according to White House officials. That deal was endorsed unanimously by the U.N. Security Council.
Biden has stressed the immediate need for the cease-fire and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid.
Netanyahu has said he is only committed to the first phase with a partial hostage release in exchange for a week-long halt in the fight. Hamas is demanding a full withdrawal and a complete end to the fighting.
Netanyahu said he will not call for an end to the war until a “complete victory” is declared over Hamas. (Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)
During the call, Netanyahu thanked Biden for his support of Israel and America’s support for Israel’s security and national defense.
Yaara Litwin contributed to this report.