On Friday, President Joe Biden expressed uncertainty about the timing of the release of American hostages by Hamas in a deal with Israel. During the initial day of the four-day truce in the Gaza Strip, the terrorist group did not release any U.S. citizens.
Biden, speaking from Nantucket Island where he is on vacation with his family, stated, “We don’t know when that will occur. We’re gonna be expecting it to occur and we don’t know what the list of all the hostages are and when they’ll be released, but we know the numbers that are going to be released. It is my hope and expectation it will be soon.”
Hamas had agreed to release 50 hostages within four days, out of approximately 240 taken from southern Israel on Oct. 7. The first group of 24 included 13 Israelis and 11 foreigners, but no Americans. As of Biden’s statement, nine U.S. citizens and one permanent resident are still missing.
“We also remember all those who are still being held and renew our commitment to work for their release as well — two American women and one 4-year-old child, Abigail, who remains among those missing,” the President added. “We also will not stop until we get these hostages brought home and an answer to their whereabouts.”
Biden acknowledged the pressure he faces from left-wing Democrats to convince Israel to halt its attack on Gaza. During his comments, demonstrators in Nantucket shouted “Free Palestine!” and “Stop the fighting!” The 81-year-old emphasized that the truce provides an opportunity to deliver essential supplies to civilians in Gaza.
Israel has indicated that the truce could be extended if Hamas releases 10 more hostages per day after the initial period. As part of the agreement, Israel has agreed to release 150 imprisoned Palestinian women and children. Biden highlighted the release of two U.S. citizens by Hamas on Oct. 20, attributing it to weeks of hard work and personal engagement by his team following the kidnapping by Hamas.
