Biden speaks to Egypt’s Sissi about ongoing Gaza war, efforts to free hostages held by Hamas

US President Joe Biden spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi today to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza and efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.

According to a readout of the call, Biden thanked Egypt for its “important role in this process,” and the leaders “affirmed that all efforts must now be made to conclude a deal that would result in the release of all hostages together with a prolonged humanitarian pause in the fighting.”

Biden and Sissi also discussed intensifying efforts to increase the delivery of “humanitarian assistance into and throughout Gaza,” and agreed to continue their close coordination on the matter.

They also agreed to “set the conditions for a durable and sustainable peace in the Middle East, to include the establishment of a Palestinian state and equal measures of dignity and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”