Benzinga - by Aveek Bhowmik, Benzinga Editor.
President Joe Biden shared his perspective on Friday regarding the release of hostages by Hamas, saying it's a promising "start" and "so far it's gone well."
What Happened: Amid diplomatic efforts facilitated by Qatar's mediation, President Biden expressed optimism about extending a temporary truce in Gaza, emphasizing the "chances are real."
This comes as part of a broader call by Biden to "renew" efforts toward a two-state solution for sustained peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Join me as I deliver remarks on the release of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. https://t.co/i1Hpl2jmG4— President Biden (@POTUS) November 24, 2023
In response to the recent developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, President Biden said that as part of the deal between Israel and Hamas, "fighting in Gaza will halt for four days." He added that 13 Israeli hostages and several Thai nationals have been freed, "and we expect that dozens more, including Americans, will be returned to their families."
Beginning today, under the deal reached between Israel and Hamas, fighting in Gaza will halt for four days.13 Israeli hostages have been released along with several Thai nationals.
And we expect that dozens more, including Americans, will be returned to their families.
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 24, 2023
While celebrating the release of the hostages, President Biden added, "We remember all those still being held, renewing our commitment to secure their release."
"We won’t stop until they're home — I have no higher priority," Biden said.
Today, as we celebrate the release of dozens of hostages, we remember all those still being held, renewing our commitment to secure their release.We won't stop until they're home — I have no higher priority. pic.twitter.com/zp28XuIE3X
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 24, 2023
The four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict commenced in Gaza, accompanied by the release of 24 hostages, including citizens of Israel, Thailand, and the Philippines, as reported by AP.
President Biden anticipates the return of more hostages, including "American citizens," in the coming days, saying, "We will not stop until all hostages are released by Hamas."
The Red Cross independently verified the "safe release of 24 hostages" from Gaza, emphasizing its role as a "neutral intermediary" facilitating the transportation of individuals from Gaza to the Rafah border in a tweet.
We are relieved to confirm the safe release of 24 hostages.We have facilitated this release by transporting them from Gaza to the Rafah border, marking the real-life impact of our role as a neutral intermediary between the parties.
— ICRC in Israel & OT (@ICRC_ilot) November 24, 2023
Read Next: Elon Musk Headed To Israel And Gaza Next Week? Tesla CEO May Make Surprising Trip After Backlash Over Endorsing Anti-Semitic Comment
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