U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in discussions Monday regarding the potential for humanitarian ceasefires in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said during a briefing with reporters on Monday.
Biden and Netanyahu discussed tactical pauses in the ongoing fighting in Gaza for humanitarian purposes and the potential for hostage releases during their talks on Monday, according to Reuters.
Kirby emphasized that discussions are just beginning and the two allies are far from reaching a final decision. The U.S. still does not support a more permanent ceasefire because such a move would benefit Hamas, he said.
According to Israel Defense Spokesperson (IDF) for Foreign Media Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, troops from the 36th Division have reached the Gaza coast. The IDF is reported to have completed the encirclement of northern Gaza, effectively separating Hamas strongholds in the north from those in the south.
The Times of Israel reports the leader of Hamas in Lebanon has stated that the group will not accept a proxy government in the Gaza Strip and is determined to maintain control.
A group based in Yemen claimed responsibility for launching drones at targets inside Israel, according to a statement from their armed forces broadcast on TV channel Al Masiran as mentioned by Al Jazeera.
IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Israeli ground forces have advanced further into Gaza City in the last few hours. Hagari stated that the IDF is “intensifying the pressure on Gaza City,” which is considered Hamas’ primary stronghold.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken held discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara, focusing on efforts to prevent the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, protect civilians and increase humanitarian assistance.
Israel’s top diplomat Eli Cohen has once again criticized UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, this time in response to Guterres’ latest appeal for humanitarian relief for civilians in Gaza. Following Guterres’ recent comments, in which he warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated the call for a ceasefire, Cohen responded with strong words: “Guterres, shame on you!”
Market Price Action
U.S. stocks are in a battle to maintain their positive streak of gains, with the S&P 500 experiencing a five-day winning streak and the Nasdaq 100 having already achieved six consecutive green sessions.
As of 3 p.m. in New York, the S&P 500 Index, tracked by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY, showed only a marginal increase of 0.1%.
The technology-focused Invesco QQQ Trust QQQ managed to gain 0.2%, while stocks within the blue-chip Dow Jones index remained largely flat.
The Israeli shekel continued its upward trend today, gaining 0.5%, marking its fourth consecutive day of appreciation.
Israeli-related stocks displayed mixed performance. The ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF IZRL experienced a 0.2% decline, while the iShares MSCI Israel ETF EIS saw a 0.5% increase. The latter ETF is on course for its sixth consecutive session of gains.
Read now: Stocks Fight To Extend Winning Streak, Treasury Yields Rise: What’s Driving Markets Monday?
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