The White House reported today, Thursday, that U.S. President Joe Biden spoke today with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani regarding the release of hostages in Gaza. They noted that Biden and the Emir of Qatar believe that "the release of hostages will lead to a six-week ceasefire in Gaza." The U.S. State Department announced that Secretary Antony Blinken spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman today about ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and a potential humanitarian truce in Gaza.