U.S. President Biden Optimistic as Initial Hostages Released in Israel-Hamas Deal
President Joe Biden expressed optimism on Friday as Hamas released the first wave of hostages, framing it as a positive step. However, he emphasized that the deal, which includes the release of remaining hostages, is just the beginning of a challenging process.
Biden, speaking from Nantucket, Massachusetts, acknowledged the weeks of hard work and personal engagement by his team to secure the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas. The first group released consisted of 13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens, and one Filipino.
The deal involves trading hostages for Palestinian prisoners under a four-day cease-fire. While details about the next round of hostages are expected to be revealed soon, it remains unclear if Americans are included.
President Biden shared, “We don’t know when that will occur, but we expect it to occur. And we don’t know what the list of all the hostages is or when they’ll be released, but we know the numbers when they’re going to be released. So my hope and expectation is that it will be soon.”
The agreement outlines the release of a total of 50 hostages by Hamas in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, mainly women and teenagers. The multilateral talks involving Israel, Hamas, Qatar, the U.S., and external groups have provided a rare positive development amid weeks of conflict.
Biden refrained from declaring victory, acknowledging that around 200 hostages would remain in captivity. He expressed deep concern for the trauma suffered by the hostages, especially children. Biden stated, “All of these hostages have been through a terrible ordeal. And this is the beginning of a long journey of healing for them.”
While addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Biden affirmed his strategy and encouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to focus on reducing casualties. He reiterated the goal of eliminating Hamas, considering it a legitimate objective.
However, challenges persist for Biden, with progressive Democrats urging a cease-fire and some proposing conditions on aid to Israel, such as a reduction in bombing. Responding to this, Biden stated, “I think that’s a worthwhile thought. But I don’t think if I started off with that we would’ve ever gotten to where we are today. We have to take this a piece at a time.”
