In a crucial conversation on Monday morning, President Joe Biden discussed the latest developments with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the looming possibility of a ground assault in Rafah and ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. Notably, Hamas announced shortly after the call that it had accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, while Israel's response to the plan remains pending.

According to a readout from the White House, President Biden updated Netanyahu on ongoing efforts to secure a hostage deal, including talks taking place in Doha, Qatar. As part of their discussion, the Prime Minister agreed to ensure that the Kerem Shalom crossing remains open to facilitate humanitarian assistance for those in need. President Biden reiterated his clear position on Rafah, emphasizing the importance of finding a peaceful resolution.

The leaders also took the opportunity to acknowledge Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, which falls on Monday. Their discussion centered around the shared commitment of Israel and the United States to remember the six million Jews who fell victim to the Holocaust, expressing a determination to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate-fueled violence.

Prior to their conversation, a spokesperson from the National Security Council mentioned that the call would touch upon potential military action in Rafah. The administration has previously conveyed its disapproval of a major ground invasion in Rafah, firmly believing that pursuing a hostage deal would be the most effective way to preserve lives and prevent further violence. Talks regarding such a deal are currently ongoing.

Cease-fire negotiations over the weekend did not yield any notable breakthroughs, prompting CIA Director William Burns to travel to Israel on Monday for additional discussions following his participation in talks held Sunday in Doha. These endeavors aim to explore avenues for getting the negotiations back on track after they stalled in Cairo. However, Israel has blamed Hamas for their refusal to budge from their extreme demands.

Mounting pressure for a long-term cease-fire arises as Israel takes steps suggesting an imminent ground assault in Rafah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped flyers in eastern Rafah, urging residents to seek shelter in humanitarian areas. Reportedly, the IDF instructed about 100,000 people in that region to evacuate.

President Biden and his administration have previously cautioned against an Israeli military offensive in Rafah. Last week, the White House halted a significant shipment of offensive weapons to Israel, a decision reportedly aligned with concerns over their potential use in Rafah. However, the decision is not indicative of a broader shift in the policy of providing weapons to Israel.

Amidst these developments, a statement from a group representing families of the hostages held in Gaza implored Netanyahu to disregard any political pressure from far-right members of his government regarding a potential deal with Hamas. The statement emphasized the significance of this moment in history and the need to secure the return of all 132 hostages held by Hamas for the sake of national healing, redemption, and revival.

As cease-fire negotiations continue and the threat of a ground assault in Rafah looms, international attention remains focused on finding a peaceful resolution to deescalate tensions and protect civilian lives.