(OSV News) — President Joe Biden celebrated the Nov. 24 release of some hostages held by Hamas, but said it is “only a start” in resolving the conflict.
Hamas released 24 hostages — women and children — held captive in Gaza since the terrorist group’s Oct. 7 attack, and Israel released 39 Palestinians from prison, also women and children, under the terms of a four-day cease-fire deal, The Associated Press reported.
The freed hostages reportedly included 13 Israelis, 10 citizens of Thailand and one citizen of the Philippines, per Qatar. The deal was brokered in part by the U.S., Qatar and Egypt.
Nearly 240 hostages taken
Hamas abducted nearly 240 people in the group’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Israel has indicated that the cease-fire could be extended if more hostages are released, but that it intends to resume its response to the Oct. 7 attack.
In remarks from Nantucket, Massachusetts, where Biden and his family celebrated Thanksgiving, the president said that as Americans give thanks, “we can also be thankful for families being recruited and reunited with loved ones who have been held hostage for nearly 50 days.”
Biden told reporters it is not yet clear when remaining American hostages will be released, but “we will not stop until we get the hostages brought home and an answer to their whereabouts.”
“I remain in personal contact with the leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Israel to make sure this stays on track and every aspect of the deal is implemented,” he said.
Aid enters Gaza during cease-fire
The brief cease-fire also will give a chance for aid supplies to go into Gaza “to support the innocent Palestinians who are suffering greatly because of this war, that Hamas has unleashed,” Biden said, adding, “Hamas doesn’t give a damn about them.”
Biden said, “As we look to the future, we have to end this cycle of violence in the Middle East.”
“We need to renew our resolve to pursue this two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can one day live side by side in a two-state solution with an equal measure of freedom and dignity, two states for two people,” he said. “And it’s more important now than ever. Hamas unleashed this terrorist attack because they fear nothing more than Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace.”
Biden said that peace would ensure “children in the region, every child, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Israeli, Palestinian our grow up knowing only peace.”
Asked if he trusted Hamas to follow through, Biden said, “I don’t trust Hamas to do anything right. I only trust Hamas to respond to pressure.”
