Biden sees "real progress" in ceasefire, hostage deal talks with Hamas

On January 9, US President Joe Biden expressed optimism regarding ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and a hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.

Speaking from the White House, Biden confirmed that significant strides were being made, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"We're making some real progress, I met with negotiators today," Biden told reporters.

He emphasized his hopes for a successful prisoner exchange, though he noted challenges due to Hamas's resistance.

"I'm still hopeful that we will be able to have a prisoner exchange. Hamas is the one getting in the way of that exchange right now, but I think we may be able to get that done, we need to get it done," he added.

Thus, Hamas reiterated its demand for Israel to end its assault on Gaza as a condition for releasing hostages, amid ongoing talks with Israeli officials and mediators from Qatar and Egypt. Despite months of intense negotiations, both sides remain at an impasse, with Hamas insisting on a complete ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel demands the dismantling of Hamas and the release of all hostages.

Hamas official Osama Hamdan criticized US President-elect Donald Trump's threat of "hell to pay" if hostages aren't freed by his inauguration on January 20, calling for more diplomatic rhetoric. Meanwhile, Israel's foreign ministry director, Eden Bar Tal, stated that Hamas was the "only obstacle" to a deal, underscoring Israel's commitment to reaching an agreement.

In fact, Hamas reportedly agreed to a list of 34 hostages who could be freed in the initial phase of a ceasefire. However, Israeli officials are still awaiting confirmation on their status.

By Aghakazim Guliyev