Biden goal: Gaza deal by end of next week
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President Biden is aiming for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal by the end of next week while also trying to deter Iran and Hezbollah from conducting an attack on Israel that could undermine this effort, U.S. officials tell Axios' Barak Ravid.
- Why it matters: Biden and his aides say they feel they're closer than ever to getting a deal that could lead to the release of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza, including American citizens — and end 10 months of war that has killed more than 1,600 Israelis and 40,000 Palestinians.
"I'm optimistic. It's far from over. Just a couple more issues. I think we've got a shot," Biden told reporters on Friday.
⚡ The latest: Yesterday, at the end of a two-day summit in Doha, the U.S. presented a new proposal to Israel and Hamas in an effort to close the remaining gaps and reach a deal.
- A U.S. official said the proposal bridges nearly all of the remaining gaps that have been under discussion for the past six weeks.
Biden called the Emir of Qatar and the President of Egypt to discuss the proposal and the plan for the coming days, the White House said.
- "There was a consensus between all three leaders that this process is now in the end game," a senior U.S. official said.
