Biden thanks leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and Israel

FILE - President Joe Biden speaks about the Chinese surveillance balloon and other unidentified objects shot down by the U.S. military, Feb. 16, 2023, in Washington. Biden says that the U.S. is updating its guidelines for monitoring and reacting to unknown aerial objects. That’s after the discovery of a suspected Chinese spy balloon transiting the country triggered three weeks of high-stakes drama, and U.S. Air Force shoot downs. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

US President Joe Biden thanked the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and Israel for their efforts regarding the prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel.

Biden added in his speech on Friday: “I expect the release of more hostages in the coming days,” noting that his country is working to intensify efforts to deliver aid to those in need in the Gaza Strip, pointing out that “there is a real opportunity to extend the truce.”

“We must work on a two-state solution, and this is more important today than ever before.”

Up to thirteen Israeli detainees, in addition to 11 Thai citizens and a Filipino, were handed over from Hamas in return for the release of 39 Palestinian prisoners.