Netanyahu tells Biden of “progress” in Gaza ceasefire talks

US President Joe Biden spoke with “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to discuss negotiations for a prisoner exchange and Gaza ceasefire deal, a US official said – cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The call, further details of which are expected to be released later, comes as Biden pushes for a ceasefire in the Strip before Donald Trump returns to the White House on January 20.

Netanyahu’s office said the premier informed Biden of “progress” in the talks.

"The prime minister discussed with the American president the progress in the negotiations for the release of our hostages and updated him on the mandate he has given to the negotiating team in Doha, aimed at advancing the release of the hostages," the statement said.