President Joe Biden appealed to G20 leaders on Monday to ramp up efforts in pressuring Hamas to accept a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

As his term comes to a close, Biden committed to continuing his efforts to secure an agreement before Donald Trump takes office.

“I ask everyone here to increase their pressure on Hamas, which is currently refusing this deal,” Biden stated during his opening remarks at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, according to the AFP news agency.

The president reiterated his appeal to Israel to take measures to reduce civilian casualties in the ongoing Gaza conflict, which began following Hamas’ horrific attacks on October 7, 2023.

“Israel has a right to defend itself after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. But how it defends itself… matters a great deal,” Biden stressed during what will be his last appearance at a G20 summit.

“We’re going to keep pushing to accelerate a ceasefire deal that ensures Israel’s security and brings hostages home and ends the suffering of the Palestinian people and children,” he added.

In recent weeks, Israel and Hamas have engaged in multiple rounds of indirect negotiations. Mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, these talks aim to establish a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.

The United States has advocated for a framework for a ceasefire and hostage release that Biden initially outlined in May. However, Hamas has rejected this and every other proposed agreement to date.

Egypt recently suggested a two-day ceasefire, during which four Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for terrorist prisoners held in Israel. Following this, discussions would continue over a more comprehensive deal during the subsequent ten days.

Initially, Hamas expressed opposition to the idea of a short-term ceasefire, stating that it would not agree to return hostages only to see the fighting resume. However, sources within Hamas later indicated to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the group is open to considering Egypt’s suggestion, along with other proposals on the table.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan underscored in a recent appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation that Hamas is to blame for the lack of progress in negotiations, not Israel.

{Matzav.com}