Biden and the Emir of Qatar Discuss the Situation in Gaza... Here's What Was Agreed Upon

The White House stated that U.S. President Joe Biden spoke via phone with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss developments in Gaza and the "ongoing urgent efforts" to secure the release of hostages held by the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement (Hamas). The White House noted in a statement that Biden "strongly condemned" Hamas for holding the hostages, including many children, one of whom is an American child whose parents were killed in the Hamas attack on October 7. The statement read, "The leaders agreed on the necessity of releasing all hostages without further delay." The White House also indicated that Biden reaffirmed his vision for a future Palestinian state "where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side with equal measures of stability and dignity," adding that Hamas has long been an obstacle to that. The statement further mentioned that the leaders agreed to continue their efforts to promote a shared vision for a more peaceful, secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East.