"Biden Enlists Egypt and Qatar to Secure Hostage Deal with Hamas"

President Biden has written letters to the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, urging them to persuade Hamas to release vulnerable hostages in exchange for a halt to Israel's military operations. Talks are scheduled in Cairo, and CIA Director Bill Burns has been dispatched to participate in discussions. There are 134 hostages, including five US citizens, still in Hamas custody, and US lawmakers and families have been pressing Biden to increase pressure on the international community to secure their release.