US adviser holds talks in Doha on potential hostage deal between Israel, Hamas

US President Joe Biden’s Middle East adviser Brett McGurk is in Doha, Qatar, having discussions about the possibilities of another hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday.

McGurk is traveling through the region for “active” discussions on ensuring the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and securing a humanitarian pause, the White House added.

Kirby said the US would support a longer humanitarian pause in combat in Gaza to ensure hostages could be released and aid brought in. He declined to specify a timeframe and cautioned he would not characterize the discussions as negotiations.

“The conversations are very sober and serious about trying to get another hostage deal in place,” Kirby told a regular White House briefing, adding the talks included discussion on how long of a pause would be needed to get the hostages out.