Israel and Hamas have been holding indirect talks for more than a year aimed at ending the war in Gaza and returning scores of militant-held hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel spoke Sunday, their two offices said, as the White House pushes to secure a cease-fire deal prior to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with US President Joe Biden about the progress in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire-hostage deal.

Pressure is on to reach a deal that would see Hamas release at least some hostages before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.

President Joe Biden spoke on Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as U.S. officials race to reach a Gaza hostage and cease-fire deal.

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken by phone - Biden's final week in office - as momentum builds towards a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. Israel and Hamas are understood to be making progress but uncertainty remains over key aspects of the potential agreement.

U.S. President Joe Biden spoke on Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said, as U.S. officials race to reach a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal before Biden leaves office on Jan.

US President Joe Biden has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The US government hopes to reach an agreement on hostages in Gaza and a ceasefire before Biden leaves office, Voice of America reports.

US President Biden and Israeli PM Netanyahu discuss ceasefire talks US President Joe Biden has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the progress of Gaza ceasefire talks. Biden stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire and the return of the Israeli captives.