Biden and Qatari Emir Discuss Release of Gaza Hostages and Increasing Humanitarian Aid

Negotiations with Israel and Hamas focus on hostage release and aid, as new UN coordinator appointed to oversee relief efforts.

President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani discussed the release of remaining hostages in Gaza, including American citizens, and increasing humanitarian aid to the region.
Qatar and Egypt have been mediators in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, facilitating a temporary ceasefire last month during which about 100 hostages were released.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are focused on the release of the remaining hostages and allowing more aid into Gaza, which is faced with dwindling humanitarian resources.
The United Nations has appointed a new coordinator, Sigrid Kaag, to oversee humanitarian relief shipments into Gaza starting on January 8.
Despite international pressure, Israel continues its offensive against Hamas, while the U.S. maintains its support for Israel's defense efforts.