The White House said US President Joe Biden spoke by telephone with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss developments in Gaza and to “continue urgent efforts” to free hostages held by Hamas.
The White House said in a statement that Biden “categorically” condemned Hamas’ taking of hostages, including several children, one of whom was a three-year-old American whose parents were killed in a Hamas attack on October 7.
“The two leaders agreed on the need to release all detainees without further delay,” the statement said.
Reuters reported last week that Qatar, where several Hamas political officials are based, is leading mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel over the detainees.
US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday that “active and intense negotiations” are underway and include Israel, Qatar, Egypt and the United States to secure the release of other… prisoners, but it is not clear whether they are all still alive.
Sullivan added: “The goal here is to do what is necessary at the negotiating table to ensure the safe return of all detainees, including Americans,” noting that nine Americans are missing, as well as one person who has permanent residency in the United States United. .
He continued: “We do not know their status, whether they are alive or whether they are dead, but we look forward to their safe return.”
Sullivan said he will meet with the families of the American hostages this week.
A U.S. official said Biden’s top adviser on Middle East affairs, Brett McGurk, will visit Israel on Tuesday and meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other visits are planned to Brussels, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar.
The Qatari government said earlier that Prince Tamim, during the meeting with Biden, stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the permanent opening of the Rafah crossing into Egypt.
Washington has rejected calls from Arab leaders and others to insist that Israel halt its attack on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
The White House statement did not mention any discussion of a ceasefire, saying only that the two leaders spoke of the need to “protect innocent civilians and continue efforts to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
Biden also affirmed his vision of a future Palestinian state “where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side with equal stability and dignity,” the White House said, adding that Hamas has long been an obstacle to that.
The statement added that the two leaders agreed to continue their efforts to promote a common vision for a more peaceful, secure, prosperous and stable Middle East region.