Israel-Hamas war: Hostage release won't happen before Friday – DW – 11/23/2023

US President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leaders of Qatar and Egypt after the Israel-Hamas hostage deal was approved earlier Wednesday, the White House said.

Biden emphasized "the importance of maintaining calm" along the Lebanese border as well as in the West Bank when he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, according to the White House. 

The two leaders spoke after Israel's War Cabinet had approved a four-day deal with Hamas militants to pause fighting and free some hostages.

The leaders agreed that the work was not done yet and Biden said he will work on securing release of all hostages, the White House said.

Biden told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi the US would not permit the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank. The US would also not allow the "redrawing of the borders of Gaza."

During the call with Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the two leaders "committed to remain in close contact" to ensure the hostage deal is fully implemented. Qatar has strong ties with both the US and Hamas.