The second meeting of the forum scheduled Thursday is set to discuss cease-fire efforts in the Middle East. This month, G-7 leaders endorsed the three-phase plan outlined by Biden to end the war in Gaza.

On Tuesday, Hamas responded to the proposal, suggesting changes including the need for assurances about a permanent end to the war, according to an official with knowledge of the talks speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing diplomatic effort. “Some of the changes are workable, some are not,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Wednesday remarks in Doha, Qatar, alongside Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Sullivan told reporters that the United States will work with the Egyptians and Qataris to bridge the remaining gaps, adding that it was time for a cease-fire to begin.

“The president will be consulting with G-7 leaders about the intensive efforts underway to make that happen,” he said. “He has their full backing for what he is doing.”