Macron Discusses with Qatari Emir and Egyptian President Ways to Free Hostages in Gaza

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Saturday with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi about ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, according to the Élysée. This coincided with the visit of French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu to Qatar, which is mediating for the release of hostages in Gaza, as stated by the minister's office. Lecornu's visit to Doha is the second in 48 hours. The French presidency reported that the leaders of the three countries addressed the situation of the hostages and the actions taken for their release. Macron emphasized that "the release of the hostages, among them eight French citizens, is an absolute priority for France" and that they must be "released without delay." He reiterated "the need for an immediate ceasefire" as the number of civilian casualties in Gaza rises and "hospitals and schools" are being bombed. The three leaders also discussed ways to enhance "coordination among themselves to enable humanitarian aid to reach the civilian population in Gaza."