United States President Joe Biden on Thursday marked the Thanksgiving holiday by delivering pumpkin pies to firefighters and also expressed hope about the pending hostage release between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas&nbsp;which is expected to take place on Friday (Nov 24).

While speaking to the press, he said that he would not share much detail on the hostages held by Hamas "until it's done", further adding that he was keeping his "fingers crossed" that a 3-year-old American girl would be among the ones released first.

“I’m not prepared to give you an update until it’s done,” he said.

The truce between Israel and Hamas will begin on Friday at 7 am local time, with the first batch of hostages to be released at 4 pm, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said.

The Israeli government, early on Wednesday (Nov 22), approved an agreement to free roughly 50 hostages who were abducted into the Gaza Strip during the Palestinian militant group Hamas' onslaught on October 7, in exchange for the release of imprisoned Palestinian women and minors.

"The government approved the broad outlines of the first stage of an agreement under which at least 50 kidnapped people -- women and children -- will be released over four days during which there will be a lull in the fighting," the statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violent-clashes-erupt-bus-set-ablaze-in-dublin-after-stabbing-incident-662138">Violent clashes erupt, bus set ablaze in Dublin after stabbing incident</a>

<h2>Biden speaks with Qatar, Israel, and Egypt leaders about hostages</h2>

Biden on Wednesday spoke with the leaders of Qatar, Israel, and Egypt about the hostages after the agreement was signed between Israel and Hamas, the White House said.

All three conversations concerned "the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7 and the latest developments in the region," the White House said.

Biden and Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani "committed to remain in close contact to ensure the deal is fully implemented," the White House said in a readout of the call.

"They reiterated the importance of protecting civilian lives, respecting international humanitarian law and increasing and sustaining humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza," it said.

Biden also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and assured him his country's support in securing the release of all the remaining hostages.

"The President further emphasized the importance of maintaining calm along the Lebanese border as well as in the West Bank," the White House said.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday marked the Thanksgiving holiday by delivering pumpkin pies to firefighters and also expressed hope about the pending hostage release between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas which is expected to take place on Friday (Nov 24).

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday marked the Thanksgiving holiday by delivering pumpkin pies to firefighters and also expressed hope about the pending hostage release between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas which is expected to take place on Friday (Nov 24). While speaking to the press, he said that he would not share much detail on the hostages held by Hamas "until it's done", further adding that he was keeping his "fingers crossed" that a 3-year-old American girl would be among the ones released first. “I’m not prepared to give you an update until it’s done,” he said. The truce between Israel and Hamas will begin on Friday at 7 am local time, with the first batch of hostages to be released at 4 pm, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said. The Israeli government, early on Wednesday (Nov 22), approved an agreement to free roughly 50 hostages who were abducted into the Gaza Strip during the Palestinian militant group Hamas' onslaught on October 7, in exchange for the release of imprisoned Palestinian women and minors. "The government approved the broad outlines of the first stage of an agreement under which at least 50 kidnapped people -- women and children -- will be released over four days during which there will be a lull in the fighting," the statement said. Also read: Violent clashes erupt, bus set ablaze in Dublin after stabbing incident Biden speaks with Qatar, Israel, and Egypt leaders about hostages Biden on Wednesday spoke with the leaders of Qatar, Israel, and Egypt about the hostages after the agreement was signed between Israel and Hamas, the White House said. All three conversations concerned "the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7 and the latest developments in the region," the White House said. Biden and Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani "committed to remain in close contact to ensure the deal is fully implemented," the White House said in a readout of the call. "They reiterated the importance of protecting civilian lives, respecting international humanitarian law and increasing and sustaining humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza," it said. Biden also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and assured him his country's support in securing the release of all the remaining hostages. "The President further emphasized the importance of maintaining calm along the Lebanese border as well as in the West Bank," the White House said. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden expresses hope about Gaza hostage release

Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross, reported Israel-based news site. It added that the released hostages are on their way to the Rafah crossing -- Gaza's border with Egypt.

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A convoy of aid trucks entered Gaza from Egypt. The aid carries basic necessities.

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13 Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross, reported Israel-based news site. It added that the released hostages are on their way to the Rafah crossing -- Gaza's border with Egypt.

Israel-Hamas war hostage-for-prisoner swap

According to Qatar's foreign ministry, up to 13 women and children who were detained in Gaza as hostages by Hamas are scheduled to be released on Friday, November 24, in the afternoon local time. Israel and Hamas have decided to 'pause' the war for four days starting today, November 24, in order to free the hostages held by both sides.

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While the hostage situation sees its first step to resolution, the ground realities in Gaza remain grim. The Israeli forces have arrested Al-Shifa hospital's Director and other medical personnel for questioning.

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The release of hostages under a temporary truce between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants will not happen before Friday, Israel's national security adviser and the U.S. said, dashing hopes of relatives that some would be freed on Thursday.

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Tensions are escalating between Lebanon and Israel. Two Lebanese journalists were killed in Israeli strikes this week. Beirut has accused the IDF of assassinating its journalists. While Hezbollah vowed revenge for the brutal attack. Ghadi Francis reports on the border escalations

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Destruction similar to a massive natural disaster has ravaged Gaza. Hundreds and thousands have been displaced, rendered homeless. Winter is now setting in on the besieged enclave. Dropping temperatures present newer and harsher challenges for the people. What do the coming months look like for Gazans? Ghadi Francis reports.

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This COP28 was supposed to be a landmark moment for West Asia. Dubai is hosting the UN Conference next week, but as opposed to what was expected, the climate talks will be overshadowed by the active war unravelling in the neighbourhood. We talk about how the Israel-Gaza war has derailed West Asia's climate action plans.

War in the West Asia Jeopardises climate talks

The landmark hostage deal has been sealed. A 4-day truce is in effect in Gaza. Hostages are being released, so are Palestinian detainees. As aid trucks flow into Gaza, we break down how this agreement came into being. Which players were involved in these fiercely curtained negotiations? Ghadi Francis reports.

Israel-Hamas war: 4-day pause after 7 weeks of deadly fighting

The breakthrough deal to pause the brutal and calamitous weekly-long war that is dragged on in the Gaza Strip has now come to a pause. It is a humanitarian pause and not a Ceasar as it is understood in the broader sense of the term now all of this has happened due to mediation efforts and this is the first pause in this ongoing Israel-Hamas War. It is aimed at facilitating the release of at least 50 Israeli hostages.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF completes preparations to receive hostages

Trucks of aid have begun entering Gaza through the Rafa Crossing just moments ago the first batch of trucks carrying essential supplies were seen entering Gaza from Egypt

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Seven weeks after Israeli forces relentlessly bombed Gaza, a 4-day truce shouldered on a hostage swap between Israel and Hamas that has come into effect as the fighting comes to a halt. Trucks of aids will also be allowed in the Gaza strip through the Rafah crossing.

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The Gaza Strip is presently underway and with this there's also expectation of the release of hostages from both sides from the Israeli side more than 300 prisoners are expected to be released over a period of 4 days

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World leaders are welcoming the recent breakthrough in the Israel-Hamas war. But in the background six weeks of relentless bombing of the Gaza Strip has changed lives forever. Children and women were left to suffer unspeakable horrors is a tragic reality of war. Take a look.

Israel-Hamas war: A Palestinian mother's harrowing tale

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