Biden believes deal to release hostages from Gaza is close in exchange for a pause in fighting

(Patria) - US President Joe Biden stated that he believes a deal to release hostages in Gaza is close, as hopes have risen that some prisoners will be released with Qatar's mediation in exchange for a pause in fighting, AFP reported.

"I believe it is," Biden said, who participated in the turkey pardoning ceremony for Thanksgiving at the White House, when asked if a hostage deal was close.

Biden then crossed his fingers to show he was hoping for luck.

The Qatari Prime Minister said on Sunday that a deal to release some of the 240 hostages, whom Hamas captured in its attack on Israel on October 7 in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, now depends on "minor" practical issues.

The White House announced that negotiations are in the "final stages" but refused to provide additional details, saying it could jeopardize a successful outcome.

"We believe we are closer than we have ever been, so we are hopeful," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

"But there is still work to be done. And nothing is done until everything is done. So we will continue to work on this," he added.

The Washington Post reported on Saturday that there was a temporary agreement to release dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting.