DOHA: The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has received a phone call from US President Joe Biden over the current developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, Arab media reported on Saturday.
Arab media cited a statement issued by the Emiri Diwan as saying that the two sides focused on the execution of the humanitarian ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip. It added that the two leaders also discussed the joint global efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and increase the flow of humanitarian aid and help to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Qatar has said that 39 Palestinians and 13 Israeli hostages will be freed in addition to 7 foreign nationals following Hamas delayed the handover, alleging Israel of violating the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Arab media reported.
Qatar’s Emir, Biden Discuss Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Agreement
Spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said “the difficulties were overcome through Qatari-Egyptian” mediation and the exchange of captives is likely to take place on Saturday night”. In a statement via his social media account, he said, “Obstacles to free of prisoners were overcome through Qatari-Egyptian contacts with both sides”.
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Earlier, Hamas stated that it was delaying the release of a second batch of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners until Israel obeys with a truce deal.
On the first day of a four-day humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, 13 Israeli captives were released by Hamas Friday in exchange for 39 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Hamas also released ten Thais and one Filipino.
A total of 50 Israeli captives are to be released by Hamas over the four-day ceasefire in exchange for 150 Palestinians. Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has killed about 15,000 people mostly women and children.
