US President Biden calls on Egypt, Qatar to secure cease-fire in Gaza

President Biden urges Egypt and Qatar to use their influence with Hamas to secure a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages

In separate phone calls with Egyptian and Qatari leaders, President Joe Biden urged both countries to use their influence with Hamas to secure a cease-fire in Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages.

Biden held separate telephone conversations with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasizing the ongoing cease-fire negotiations in which Egypt and Qatar are actively engaged and commending their efforts.

He emphasized that an immediate cease-fire in Gaza depends on Hamas accepting the current offer, which would lead to a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the region.

In exchange, he noted, Hamas would release the hostages it holds.

In both meetings, Biden extensively discussed the cease-fire negotiations process currently underway, with Egypt and Qatar participating, thanking el-Sissi and Sheikh Tamim for their efforts in this regard.

According to the latest reports, a new cease-fire proposal and prisoner exchange agreement facilitated by Egypt and Qatar was presented to Hamas on April 26. Hamas is reportedly studying the proposal and is expected to respond soon.

Egyptian media has reported that the Hamas delegation has left Cairo and that a written response from Gaza to the cease-fire proposal is expected soon.

Source: AA