CNN quoted two sources familiar with the progress of the negotiations that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a call to Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in conjunction with Doha's continued leadership of negotiations to release the "hostages" in Gaza.
The State Department said the two sides discussed the importance of protecting civilians and providing sustainable humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza amid Israeli military operations.
She said Blinken thanked Qatar's prime minister for his government's efforts to release the "hostages."
On October 20, Qatari mediation efforts resulted in the release of two US detainees in Gaza on "humanitarian grounds".
Two days ago, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Qatar's mediation initiatives and his support for Qatar's mediation efforts, especially its role in releasing prisoners detained in Gaza.