U.S. President Joe Biden discussed on a phone call early Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the ongoing efforts to locate the hostages held in Gaza, including Americans, and to release them, as well as the importance of finding a "path to lasting peace" after the current crisis, according to the White House.

The discussions also included discussing the safe exit of foreign nationals wishing to leave Gaza.

Prior to that, the White House announced support for an open-ended ceasefire to allow more aid to enter Gaza and assist those wishing to exit the territory, according to U.S. media.

A U.S. official told NBC News on Wednesday that the White House supports declaring an open-ended ceasefire to allow more aid into Gaza and assist those wishing to safely exit the territory.

The official, who was not named, added that the Biden administration "is walking a tightrope, trying to balance the necessity of supporting Israel’s right to defend itself after the surprise attack it faced with the need to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid" to Gaza.

At the same time, the U.S. official indicated that the White House is discussing with Israel "its call for a humanitarian ceasefire," adding that the Israelis "seem ready to pause their negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas, although no final decision has been reached." NBC News attributed to U.S. administration officials the statement that it is unclear how long this ceasefire would last if declared.

At the same time, the U.S. official indicated that the White House is discussing with Israel "its call for a humanitarian ceasefire," adding that the Israelis "seem ready to pause their negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas, although no final decision has been reached." NBC News attributed to U.S. administration officials the statement that it is unclear how long this ceasefire would last if declared.