In a bid to advance a possible deal to end the Gaza conflict and secure the release of hostages, US President Joe Biden held a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. The White House issued a statement confirming that the leaders discussed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call as the US continues to play a key role in attempting to reach a comprehensive agreement. However, there has been no finalization of the schedule for high-level talks, initially planned for Cairo and now possibly taking place in either Egypt or Qatar. These talks, involving Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the US, have been aimed at finalizing a deal that has been on the table since May 31.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani, a prominent figure in the negotiation efforts, is currently in New Zealand, while US special envoy Brett McGurk, who recently attended talks in Doha, is expected to head to Cairo. Despite visits to Israel, Egypt, and Qatar by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this week and hours of discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu, an agreement has not been secured.

Blinken, along with mediators from Egypt and Qatar, has centered their hopes on a US "bridging proposal" designed to bridge the gaps between the two sides, which Netanyahu agreed to during Blinken's visit. On his return to the United States, Blinken engaged in conversations with his Turkish and Jordanian counterparts to discuss the proposed deal.

While the "bridging proposal" did not close all the gaps, Netanyahu reiterated his determination to keep the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in two crucial security corridors - Philadelphi and Netzarim. These corridors are vital in preventing smuggling and ensuring that Gaza poses no security threat to Israel. The Prime Minister's Office dismissed reports of an IDF withdrawal from Philadelphi in the second phase of the three-part deal, emphasizing that achieving the goals of the war, as defined by the Israeli cabinet, remains a priority.

US officials had expected President Biden to urge Netanyahu to soften his stance on the Philadelphi Corridor during their call. Blinken clarified that the agreement already addresses the schedule and locations of IDF withdrawals, which Netanyahu endorsed. The urgency to finalize the deal stems from the lives and well-being of the hostages, as evidenced by the recent discovery of the bodies of six hostages in captivity.

Hamas has signaled its commitment to the original framework deal but has raised concerns over the "bridging proposal," claiming that it includes new points favoring Israel. Blinken emphasized the need for flexibility from both Israel and Hamas to ensure the completion of the agreement. He stressed how crucial it is for the ceasefire and hostage agreement to be finalized promptly, not only to prevent further suffering for Gazans but also to prevent a dangerous regional escalation.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, while visiting the Philadelphi Corridor, highlighted the defeat of the local Hamas brigade and the destruction of numerous tunnels. Gallant expressed confidence in the possibility of IDF withdrawal from the corridor to facilitate a deal that would secure the release of the remaining hostages.

As efforts continue to break the impasse in the talks, all parties involved are encouraged to show flexibility and work towards a resolution that will bring much-needed peace and stability to the region.