US President Joe Biden (left) meets with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on October 18, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (PHOTO / AFP)

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM - US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed issues concerning hostage release and humanitarian assistance in Gaza Strip.

In a telephone conversation, Biden welcomed the release of hostages by Hamas over the past three days, and the two agreed to continue supporting the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

The two leaders also discussed the pause in fighting and much needed additional humanitarian assistance to Gaza, read the White House statement

"The two leaders agreed that the work is not yet done and that they will continue working to secure the release of all hostages. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact over the coming days," a White House statement said.

The two leaders also discussed the pause in fighting and much needed additional humanitarian assistance to Gaza, read the White House statement.

Netanyahu said on Sunday he spoke to Biden about the hostage release, adding he would welcome extending the temporary truce if it meant that on every additional day 10 captives would be freed.

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However, Netanyahu said he also told Biden that, at the end of the truce, "we will return with full force to achieve our goals: The elimination of Hamas, ensuring that Gaza does not return to what it was; and of course the release of all our hostages."

With Reuters inputs