US, Qatar discuss boosting aid to Gaza

Palestinians, including children, leave their homes to escape Israeli bombardments and head towards the city of Deir al-Balah, after Israeli forces ordered them to leave the camp in Bureij, Gaza, on December 22, 2023. [Ashraf Amra – Anadolu Agency]

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday discussed the need to release prisoners of war held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said according to Reuters.

Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and Palestinian resistance group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far.

“The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens,” the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid.

The Qatar News Agency (QNA) said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

HH the Amir and #US President Discuss Joint Mediation Efforts for Ceasefire in #Gaza. #QNA #Qatar https://t.co/4Kr5jvqVn2 pic.twitter.com/DRD9UNTdhT

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 26, 2023

Read: Palestine urges UN to declare famine in Gaza amid Israeli onslaught

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