
The Biden White House is working closely with officials from the incoming Trump administration to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal to halt the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas before Trump's inauguration on January 20. Talks have resumed following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with efforts led by CIA Director Bill Burns, Brett McGurk, and Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy.
Trump has expressed a desire to start his second term with both the Lebanon and Gaza conflicts resolved and the hostages released by Hamas. Both administrations are in constant coordination, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing the shared goal of getting the hostages back and achieving a ceasefire.