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President Joe Biden has voiced dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

What’s the deal: After returning to the White House, reporters asked President Biden if he felt that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was doing enough to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas; President Biden replied, “No.” Biden also said he was “very close” to putting forward a “final” ceasefire agreement to both Israel and Hamas, with indications that if the proposal fails, the US will end their efforts to reach a deal to end the war.

What Netanyahu is saying: While not directly naming President Biden, Netanyahu said, “These murderers executed six of our hostages; they shot them in the back of the head. And now, after this, we’re asked to show seriousness? We’re asked to make concessions? No one is more committed to freeing the hostages than me. No one will preach to me.”

This all comes as negotiators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have repeatedly failed to secure a ceasefire agreement over the past few months. Despite frequent claims that a deal is “close,” negotiations consistently collapse, with Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the failures.

What Israel is demanding: In the ceasefire negotiations, Israel is insisting on maintaining control over parts of Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor, a border area between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu has remained defiant about controlling the Philadelphia Corridor, with officials noting three main concerns:

• The risk of remaining hostages being smuggled out of Gaza which would reduce Israel’s chances of securing their release.
• The possibility of weapons being smuggled into Gaza so Hamas can be rearmed.
• The escape of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar from Gaza.

What Hamas is demanding: Hamas is demanding a permanent end to the war, including a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. They also insist that any agreement must lift the blockade on Gaza, which has severely restricted movement and trade for years. Additionally, Hamas and other Palestinian groups are calling for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, referring to them as “hostages.”