In addition, he advocated for a “two-state solution” to the conflict, emphasizing that it was the only way to guarantee the security of both the Israeli and Palestinian people in the long run.
Why is this story important?
On Monday, the four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is scheduled to expire. But according to reports, nations like the US, Egypt, and Qatar are pushing to prolong the pause past that point.
The Jewish country had earlier stated that if Hamas kept releasing at least ten hostages each day, the truce might be extended.
Notably, during its surprise attacks in southern Israel on October 7, Hamas killed almost 1,200 civilians and took nearly 240 hostages.
Biden responds to the release of a 4-year-old American hostage by Hamas
Speaking to the media following Hamas’ Sunday release of 17 hostages, which included American girl Abigail Edan, four, Biden said the youngster had seen her parents killed by Palestinian terrorists.
“Abigail turned four years old two days ago. Hamas held her hostage for the last fifty days, including her birthday. She’s free again today,” he remarked.
Biden supports the two-state approach.
Regarding the two-state solution, Biden stated that the United States will not give up on achieving the objective of guaranteeing equal rights to freedom and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians.
The 81-year-old further declared that the US will keep pushing for the additional American hostages held by Hamas to be released.
“We will not stop working until every hostage is returned,” Biden stated.
Israel will return to Gaza on Monday, according to Netanyahu
In the meantime, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed reporters during a briefing that he discussed the most recent hostage release with a Biden on Sunday.
Netanyahu did, however, also inform Biden that Israel will recommence its operations in Gaza with all of its might in order to achieve their objectives at the conclusion of the four-day truce.
According to Netanyahu, these involve “the elimination of Hamas, ensuring that Gaza does return to what it was; and of course the release of all our hostages.”