In brief remarks before the meeting, Netanyahu mentioned how the two men have known each other for four decades. Biden also participated in a meeting with Netanyahu that includes families of American hostages in Gaza - a separate setting where he could apply firm pressure on Netanyahu to finalize the ceasefire agreement. After their meeting with the president and Netanyahu, some family members struck an optimistic tone on the prospects of a deal being reached soon. “We got absolute commitment from President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu that they understand the urgency of this moment now. However, as CNN reported this week, US and Israeli officials have voiced increased optimism about the prospects of an agreement.

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