On Friday, President Joe Biden urged the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to apply pressure on Hamas for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage resolution ahead of upcoming talks in Cairo. CIA Director Bill Burns will lead the US delegation to these discussions, according to a US official.
A senior Biden administration official revealed that Biden had penned letters to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, emphasizing the importance of securing commitments from Hamas to agree to and adhere to a deal regarding the hostages.
Biden’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday also revolved around ongoing hostage negotiations and the Cairo talks. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby conveyed that Biden urged Netanyahu to empower his negotiators in Cairo for swift deal-making.
A ceasefire is deemed crucial by the United States and its allies to facilitate more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, given concerns about famine among Palestinians. The most recent proposal involves a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in exchange for the release of sick, elderly, and wounded hostages held by Hamas. However, progress on this front has been stagnant for weeks.
According to a senior Biden official, Hamas holds the responsibility to release these vulnerable hostages, underscoring that their release is pivotal for a sustained ceasefire and alleviation of suffering in Gaza.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan is scheduled to meet with the families of the hostages at the White House on Monday, the official disclosed.
In response to the killing of seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza, Israel acknowledged errors and breaches of procedure, resulting in the dismissal of two officers and reprimands for senior commanders. Netanyahu briefed Biden on Israel’s inquiry findings, prompting Biden to emphasize the importance of Israel addressing civilian harm and humanitarian suffering. Israel announced the opening of the Ashdod port and Erez crossing to enhance aid flow into Gaza.
When questioned about the possibility of withholding military support for Israel, Biden stated to reporters on Friday that he had simply requested them to continue their actions.
