Biden made the statement on Monday in response to a question from a reporter as he descended from his helicopter and entered the White House. He was meeting there with negotiators pushing for a ceasefire deal that would free the hostages and with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president.

The Biden administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were sharply at odds Thursday over prospects of reaching a deal.

President Joe Biden said Monday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not doing enough to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and added he is “close” to presenting a final deal to negotiators working to strike a hostage and ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

President Joe Biden said on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not doing enough to secure a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and the U.S. was close to presenting a final proposal to negotiators working on a hostage and ceasefire agreement.

Cease-fire and hostage release negotiations are ongoing, Biden says WASHINGTON — United States President Joe Biden again spoke briefly to reporters, this time as he departed the White House on Monday