Biden speaks to Qatari leader as hostage talks near deal

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US President Joe Biden, right, shakes hands with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the Oval Office of the White House, January 31, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
US President Joe Biden, right, shakes hands with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the Oval Office of the White House, January 31, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

US President Joe Biden held a phone call earlier today with Qatari Emir Tamim Al Thani to discuss the ongoing hostage negotiations, with the call between the two leaders further indicating that a deal is on the verge of being reached.

“Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for a deal,” the White House says in its readout, adding that Biden thanked the emir for Qatar’s efforts in mediating between Israel and Hamas.

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