As optimism grows that a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip can be reached, US President Joe Biden and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, say they are determined to remain in close coordination in the coming hours.
Both leaders stressed that a ceasefire was urgently needed to allow the release of the hostages and to boost humanitarian aid to the conflict-affected region.
The White House said Messrs. Biden and Sisi discussed by telephone Tuesday an agreement between Israel and the Islamic group Hamas on a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
The same day, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the chances of reaching a ceasefire agreement were closer than ever. He added that the United States was now waiting for the “final word” from Hamas on its acceptance.
Also on Tuesday, White House National Security and Communications Advisor John Kirby said they were still working to close some of the remaining gaps, “but we think they are closing.” he said.
In the first phase of the three-phase ceasefire plan, Hamas would release more than 30 hostages in about six weeks.
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