President Biden on Friday called the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to discuss the war in Gaza and efforts to release the more than 100 hostages taken and still held by Palestinian Hamas militants during October raids on Israeli towns.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the calls with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar were part of attempts to strike a hostage deal akin to the one in November that released 50 women and young people from Hamas captivity in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
“We continue to do everything we can to facilitate another hostage deal,” Mr. Kirby said. “We’re hopeful about the progress but I do not expect — we should not expect — any imminent developments.”
Mr. Biden is working the phones as he faces pressure to wind down the war in Gaza that began with Hamas raids in southern Israel on Oct. 7.
Israel responded with an aggressive campaign in Gaza to root out Hamas leaders, though thousands of civilians have been killed in the violence, causing a backlash against Israeli leaders.
Mr. Biden repeatedly faces pro-Palestinian protesters at public events in the U.S., raising doubts about whether young voters will support his reelection bid in November.
“Suffice it to say that at every level, from the president right on down, we’re doing everything we can to bring these moms and dads, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters back home to their families,” Mr. Kirby said.
There are reports that negotiators have been discussing a much longer cease-fire deal in exchange for a release of the remaining hostages, believed to number nearly 140. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until all the hostages are freed but has also expressed concern Hamas and other Palestinian groups could use the cease-fire in Gaza to re-group and re-arm for more fighting.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.