Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden on Wednesday thanking them for their help in securing a ceasefire-hostage release deal.
Earlier in the day, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement after more than 18 months of fighting. The deal came after negotiations mediated by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt. "This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity," Biden said.
"The prime minister made it clear that he is committed to returning all of the hostages however he can, and commended the U.S. president-elect for his remarks that the U.S. would work with Israel to ensure that Gaza will never be a haven for terrorism," Netanyahu’s office said.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his "help in advancing the release of the hostages and helping Israel to bring an end to the suffering of dozens of hostages and their families," according to the prime minister’s office.
Netanyahu also praised Trump for his statement saying "Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!"
Trump and Netanyahu agreed to meet in Washington soon to discuss other important issues.
Netanyahu also spoke with Biden and "thanked him for his help in advancing the hostage deal." The deal is expected to come into effect on Sunday.