Biden and Netanyahu speak as ceasefire pressure grows on Israel and Hamas

A senior official from key intermediary Qatar, meanwhile, urged Israel and Hamas to show “more commitment and more seriousness” in negotiations

Israeli soldiers move on the top of a tank near the Israeli-Gaza border (AP)

The White House said US President Joe Biden has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again as pressure builds on Israel and Hamas to reach a deal that would free some Israeli hostages and bring about a ceasefire after nearly seven months of war in Gaza.

There were no immediate details of the conversation, which took place as Israel vows to invade Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah despite global concern for more than one million Palestinians sheltering there.