Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
US President Joe Biden on Tuesday said he believes that progress will be made on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas since its October 7 attack on Israel.
“I'm talking with people involved every single day. I believe it's going happen,” he told reporters at the White House.
When asked if he had a message for the families of the hostages, Mr Biden said: “Hang in there. We're coming.”
He did not go into additional detail.
Israel believes that the more than 200 people who remain unaccounted for following the October 7 attacks are currently being held hostage by Hamas. The White House has said that nine US citizens remain missing.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has said that the White House's knowledge of the condition of the hostages is limited, but that a “substantial number” could be part of a release.
Mr Biden has also been involved in discussions with Israel and Qatar on the potential release of hostages.
“We’re not there yet. But we are continuing to try to make progress on that day by day, hour by hour,” Mr Sullivan said on Monday.
The hostage situation has evolved into a key sticking point in calls for a ceasefire, which Israel and the US have thus far rejected. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no ceasefire until hostages are released from Gaza.
Hamas has said that it could agree to a Qatar-mediated deal that would lead to the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons. A ceasefire would also have to be included as part of that deal, Hamas said.
Two American citizens were among a group of hostages who were earlier released by Hamas.
In a phone call with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim on Sunday, Mr Biden spoke on “the urgent ongoing efforts to secure additional releases”.
The two leaders also agreed all hostages “must be released without further delay”, the White House said in a readout of the call.
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
Grand Slam Los Angeles results
Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos
Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha
The biog
Born: High Wycombe, England
Favourite vehicle: One with solid axels
Favourite camping spot: Anywhere I can get to.
Favourite road trip: My first trip to Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan. The desert they have over there is different and the language made it a bit more challenging.
Favourite spot in the UAE: Al Dhafra. It’s unique, natural, inaccessible, unspoilt.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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HIV on the rise in the region
A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average.
Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).
Second leg
Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm
Games on BeIN Sports
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Essentials
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
MORE ON THE US DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
'Spies in Disguise'
Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
