President Joe Biden expressed his optimism for the release of 3-year-old Abigail Mor Edan and other hostages held by Hamas, but provided no additional updates on the delay. Speaking to reporters in Massachusetts, Biden said he was "keeping his fingers crossed" and might provide more information on Friday. The White House also stated that they remain "hopeful" that the release will begin on Friday as the parties work out final logistical details.

Officials described the negotiation process as "extremely excruciating" and revealed that Biden has been actively involved in the negotiations, speaking with the leaders of Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also stressed the need for the establishment of a Palestinian state in phone calls with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

The hostage deal, which will provide at least a four-day truce and allow for increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, was welcomed by Blinken during his call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Efforts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza and evacuate foreign nationals from the area were also discussed during the calls with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

There is still uncertainty as to when the release will occur, but Biden's hopeful expression indicates that progress is being made in the negotiations.