US President Joe Biden engaged in diplomatic calls with leaders in the Middle East, discussing the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages. The deal entails a temporary four-day ceasefire to facilitate the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, exchanged for 150 Palestinian detainees and the entry of humanitarian aid. In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden welcomed the agreement and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages. Discussions also touched upon maintaining calm along the Lebanese border and in the West Bank.

Biden expressed appreciation to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani for his personal role in reaching the hostage release deal. The leaders committed to close cooperation to ensure the deal's full implementation and the release of all hostages. They underscored the need to protect civilian lives, adhere to international humanitarian law, and increase humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. Biden and the Qatari Emir agreed to continue consultations on conditions for a durable peace, including the establishment of a Palestinian state.

In a call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Biden acknowledged Egypt's efforts in reaching the hostage release deal and discussed coordination to enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza. Biden affirmed the U.S. commitment to preventing the forced relocation of Palestinians, the besiegement of Gaza, or any redrawing of Gaza's borders. He reiterated support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, recognizing Egypt's essential role.

Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, expressing gratitude for Qatar's efforts in brokering the hostage release deal. They discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages and the urgent increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to a two-state solution and the strategic partnership with Qatar.

Blinken also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, welcoming the hostage release deal and emphasizing the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza. He underscored the continued U.S. commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen CQ Brown and Chief of the Israeli General Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi discussed the current security environment in the Middle East in a phone call.

US President Joe Biden engaged in diplomatic calls with leaders in the Middle East, discussing the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages. The deal entails a temporary four-day ceasefire to facilitate the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, exchanged for 150 Palestinian detainees and the entry of humanitarian aid. In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden welcomed the agreement and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages. Discussions also touched upon maintaining calm along the Lebanese border and in the West Bank.

Biden expressed appreciation to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani for his personal role in reaching the hostage release deal. The leaders committed to close cooperation to ensure the deal's full implementation and the release of all hostages. They underscored the need to protect civilian lives, adhere to international humanitarian law, and increase humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. Biden and the Qatari Emir agreed to continue consultations on conditions for a durable peace, including the establishment of a Palestinian state.

In a call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Biden acknowledged Egypt's efforts in reaching the hostage release deal and discussed coordination to enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza. Biden affirmed the U.S. commitment to preventing the forced relocation of Palestinians, the besiegement of Gaza, or any redrawing of Gaza's borders. He reiterated support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, recognizing Egypt's essential role.

Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, expressing gratitude for Qatar's efforts in brokering the hostage release deal. They discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages and the urgent increase of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to a two-state solution and the strategic partnership with Qatar.

Blinken also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, welcoming the hostage release deal and emphasizing the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza. He underscored the continued U.S. commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen CQ Brown and Chief of the Israeli General Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi discussed the current security environment in the Middle East in a phone call.