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President Biden has called on the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to influence Hamas into agreeing to a ceasefire and a deal for hostages in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency ahead of upcoming discussions in Cairo.

In a diplomatic push, Biden wrote to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the emir of Qatar. He pressed for their support in securing Hamas’s commitment to a ceasefire and adherence to the proposed agreement. In addition, CIA Director Bill Burns is set to lead the American delegation, which is pushing for a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel.

Under the most recent proposal for a ceasefire, Hamas and Israel would agree to a six-week ceasefire. In return, Hamas would release all sick, elderly, and wounded hostages currently being held. Hamas has not agreed to this deal and has previously insisted on a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners that Hamas claims are “hostages.”

This move comes amid Biden’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which focused on the Cairo talks and the broader aim of hastening a resolution to benefit all parties involved. According to White House National Security Coordinator John Kirby, President Biden told Netanyahu that he needed to push his negotiators to reach a deal that could lower the tensions immediately.