Former US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two discussed the deal for the release of the hostages and the ceasefire in Gaza.
A crucial round of talks between senior US, Qatari, Egyptian and Israeli officials is due to take place today in the Qatari capital, Doha. They will try to close the remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas.
White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said it was critical to reach a deal to free the hostages, bring relief to the Palestinians in Gaza and reduce regional tensions.
115 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, where nearly 39,900 Palestinians have been killed, according to the local health ministry.
A source on condition of anonymity explained that Trump's call was intended to encourage Netanyahu to accept the deal, US news portal Axios reported.
The Israeli prime minister's office did not deny that the call took place. The Trump campaign declined to comment.
Last month, Trump said in an interview with Fox News that Israel must end the war in Gaza as soon as possible and return the hostages.
In his meeting with Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago a day later, Trump noted that the situation with the hostages was very dire and that they should be returned immediately. | BGNES
