Biden and Netanyahu Discuss Efforts to Release Hostages, Ceasefire in Gaza

US President Joe Biden, left, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 (Reuters)
US President Joe Biden, left, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 (Reuters)
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Biden and Netanyahu Discuss Efforts to Release Hostages, Ceasefire in Gaza

US President Joe Biden, left, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 (Reuters)
US President Joe Biden, left, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 (Reuters)

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reviewed on Sunday ongoing talks to secure the release of hostages together with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a statement issued by the White House said.

During a phone conversation, Biden reiterated to Netanyahu his clear position on a major Israeli operation in Rafah, the statement added.

The President then reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security following the successful defense against Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack earlier this month.

Biden and Netanyahu also discussed increases in the delivery of humanitarian assistance into Gaza including through preparations to open new northern crossings starting this week, the White House statement said.

The US President stressed the need for this progress to be sustained and enhanced in full coordination with humanitarian organizations.

The talks came amid reports saying Israel has approved plans for an invasion of Rafah, but has expressed a willingness to call off or postpone the operation if Hamas releases Israeli hostages in exchange, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Under a new proposal by Egypt for de-escalation in Gaza, Hamas would back down from demands for a permanent ceasefire in the first phase, and accept to free nearly 30 Israeli detainees. The deal secures a day of calm in the Strip for every Israeli detainee released. It also has clear lines for a second phase.

The Jerusalem Post said Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Herzi Halevi has approved plans for a “major operation” in Rafah following a meeting on Sunday with Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman and the other division and brigade commanders of the Southern Command.

The newspaper said Finkelman and 99th Division commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram held a situation assessment in the field on Friday, adding that new operational plans for continued fighting were approved.



Syrian Defense Ministry Announces Completion of Military Operations Against Assad Loyalists

Members of the Syrian Security Forces stop vehicles at a checkpoint following violence that occurred in the previous days during clashes between government forces and supporters of the former Syrian regime, in Jableh town of Latakia, Syria, 09 March 2025. (EPA)
Members of the Syrian Security Forces stop vehicles at a checkpoint following violence that occurred in the previous days during clashes between government forces and supporters of the former Syrian regime, in Jableh town of Latakia, Syria, 09 March 2025. (EPA)
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Syrian Defense Ministry Announces Completion of Military Operations Against Assad Loyalists

Members of the Syrian Security Forces stop vehicles at a checkpoint following violence that occurred in the previous days during clashes between government forces and supporters of the former Syrian regime, in Jableh town of Latakia, Syria, 09 March 2025. (EPA)
Members of the Syrian Security Forces stop vehicles at a checkpoint following violence that occurred in the previous days during clashes between government forces and supporters of the former Syrian regime, in Jableh town of Latakia, Syria, 09 March 2025. (EPA)

A Syrian military operation against loyalists of ousted former President Bashar al-Assad has been completed, the defense ministry said on Monday. 

Hassan Abdul Ghany, the defense ministry spokesperson, said in a statement on X that public institutions were now able to resume their work and provide essential services. 

"We are paving the way for life to return to normal and for the consolidation of security and stability," he said. 

He added that plans were in place to continue combating the remnants of the former government and eliminate any future threats. 

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed on Sunday to hunt down the perpetrators of the violent clashes and said he would hold to account anyone who overstepped the new rulers' authority. 

Al-Sharaa's office also said it was forming an independent committee to investigate the clashes and killings carried out by both sides. 

Abdul Ghany added that the security forces would cooperate with the investigation committee, offering full access to uncover the circumstances of the events, verify the facts and ensure justice for the wronged. 

"We were able to absorb the attacks from the remnants of the former regime and its officers. We shattered their element of surprise and managed to push them away from vital centers, securing most of the main roads," he said. 

Syrian security sources said over the weekend more than 300 of their members had been killed in clashes with former army personnel owing allegiance to Assad in coordinated attacks and ambushes on their forces that began on Thursday.  

Syria's state news agency SANA reported on Sunday that a mass grave had been discovered near Qardaha, Assad's hometown, containing the bodies of recently killed security forces.  

The attacks spiraled into revenge killings when thousands of armed supporters of Syria's new leaders from across the country descended to the coastal areas to support beleaguered forces of the new administration.