Biden and Qatari emir discuss Gaza, agree all hostages must be released
- Qatar has been leading mediation efforts between Hamas and Israeli officials over the hostages
- Israel’s military pressed on with its offensive against Hamas in Gaza, engaging in ground battles
US President Joe Biden spoke on Sunday to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani about developments in Gaza and “urgent ongoing efforts” to secure the release of hostages being held by the Hamas militant group, the White House said.
Biden “unequivocally” condemned the holding of hostages by Hamas, including many young children, one of whom is a three-year old American citizen whose parents were killed by the group on October 7, the White House said in a statement.
“The two leaders agreed that all hostages must be released without further delay,” the statement said.
Reuters last week reported that Qatar, where several political leaders of Hamas are based, has been leading mediation efforts between Hamas and Israeli officials over the hostages.
Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN’s State of the Union earlier on Sunday that “active, intensive negotiations” were under way involving Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the United States on securing the release of more hostages, but it was not clear if all were alive.
“The goal here is to do what is necessary at the negotiating table to ensure that we get the safe return of all of the hostages, including the Americans,” Sullivan told CNN, noting that nine Americans were missing, along with one person with permanent resident status in the United States.