White House "Hopeful" But Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal Not "Imminent"

White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby has told reporters that the US is, "hopeful about progress in Gaza hostage talks," after a call today between President Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, but cautioned that the White House "does not expect any imminent developments."

• Kirby also confirmed that Biden's Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, will return to Washington this afternoon after the conclusion of talks in the region.
• Kirby says that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the instrument of ratification on Sweden's NATO accession yesterday and the US State Department expect to receive the documents, "very, very soon."
• Kirby adds that the US encourages Hungary to, "move forward with their process quickly so the alliance can welcome Sweden into the alliance without further delay."