United States President Urges Egypt and Qatar to Press Hamas on Gaza Truce and Hostage Deal
On Friday (Apr 6), President Joe Biden called on Egypt and Qatar to push the militant group Hamas towards agreeing to a Gaza truce and hostage deal before ceasefire discussions in Cairo.
Hamas Stands Firm on Gaza Truce Demands
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, stated on Saturday (Apr 6) that it remains steadfast in its demands for a Gaza truce deal. Despite this, they announced sending a delegation for renewed ceasefire talks in Cairo over the weekend.
- Hamas reaffirms its position presented on March 14 and refuses to back down.
- The group reiterates its demands, including a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of occupation forces, return of displaced individuals, freedom of movement, aid provision, and a hostage exchange deal.
US President Biden’s Call for Immediate Ceasefire
Hours after Biden’s plea for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, he urged Egypt and Qatar to press Hamas on the hostage deal.
A senior Biden administration official disclosed that the President corresponded with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, emphasizing the importance of securing commitments from Hamas.
Biden’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on empowering Israeli negotiators in Cairo to facilitate a deal.
The official emphasized that Hamas holds the key to a ceasefire by releasing vulnerable hostages and bringing relief to the people of Gaza.