(VOVWORLD) - US President Joe Biden spoke by phone to the leaders of Qatar and Egypt on Friday, pushing for an elusive Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal as negotiators met in Cairo to try to overcome remaining obstacles.
 A general view of damaged buildings in Gaza, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, near the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Israel on August 23, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) |
Biden's conversations with Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi came after the White House described talks in Cairo aimed at reaching a ceasefire as "constructive."
“Things are moving forward," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said, denying reports that the talks were near collapse and adding that more talks are planned. He called for Hamas’ participation in the negotiations, which on Thursday included negotiators from Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar but not the militant group.
One issue that is a subject of intense negotiations is Israel's insistence that it be allowed to keep forces along the Philadelphi land corridor between Egypt and Gaza.