Gaza talks: U.S. President makes separate calls to leaders of Egypt and Qatar

U.S. President Joe Biden telephoned Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Monday to discuss the latest developments in negotiations over a ceasefire in Gaza and the dangers of a military escalation in Rafah, Egypt's presidency said, according to Reuters.

The two leaders also discussed the swap of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a main stumbling block in any comprehensive ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, the spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency added.

In separate calls, President Biden urged President Sisi and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to exert all efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas "as this is now the only obstacle to an immediate ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza" the White House said.

According to Reuters, a Hamas delegation is in Cairo to deliberate on Israel's response to a ceasefire deal.

The danger of a military escalation in Rafah was also stressed, in how it would add catastrophe to an already worsening humanitarian crisis that would impact stability and security in the region, the Egyptian presidency's statement said.