US President Joe Biden called on Friday for the quick release of hostages captued by Hamas in Israel during discussion with the leader of Qatar, which has relations with the Palestinian group that governs Gaza.
President Biden, currently attending an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco, engaged in a telephone conversation with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, addressing the pressing issue of releasing all hostages held by Hamas without delay, as stated in a White House release on Friday.
During the call, President Biden highlighted Israel's recent decision to permit the daily entry of two tankers of diesel into the war-torn Gaza Strip, a move that followed appeals from the United States.
The White House further stated that President Biden and the Emir discussed ongoing efforts aimed at augmenting the flow of critically needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. Additionally, they acknowledged Israel's resumption of fuel deliveries essential for life-saving aid.
Moreover, the discussions centered on reinforcing the strategic ties between the United States and Qatar, as conveyed by the Qatari Emiri Diwan.
In parallel, the Diwan confirmed that Sheikh Tamim had a conversation with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Their talks encompassed developments in Gaza and other matters of shared regional and international interest.
This exchange coincided with Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister traveling to Manama for discussions with the country's crown prince and other high-ranking officials.
According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, both sides emphasized the immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the imperative need to safeguard civilians. Two days prior, Biden expressed to reporters his "mild optimism" for a possible agreement to release the hostages, who are thought to consist of roughly ten US nationals.
According to Israeli sources, on October 7, fighters from Hamas, the organization that rules the Gaza Strip, broke into Israel. They killed over 1,200 people, the most of whom were civilians, and kidnapped about 240 more. The health ministry in Gaza, operated by Hamas, reports that over 12,000 Palestinians, including 5,000 children, have died as a result of Israel's ensuing air and ground onslaught.
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