US pushing for a deal between Israel and Hamas over hostages and a cease-fire, according to Biden

On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden stated that the US is pressuring Israel and Hamas to come to an agreement that would result in a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

"We are advancing it. When he arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he told reporters, "There's no expectation at this point, but we are pushing."

"These are very serious discussions and negotiations, and we hope they’ll lead somewhere," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Kirby stated that he had nothing special to share on Wednesday.

In response to reports from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which is under Hamas control, that the number of deaths in Gaza since October 7 will probably top 20,000 later on Wednesday, Biden told reporters traveling with him in Milwaukee, "It's tragic," before getting into his motorcade.