Biden on Israel-Palestine War Ceasefire Question: "Hostages Must Be Released First"

U.S. President Joe Biden on the 23rd (local time) announced a policy of 'release first, then discuss ceasefire' regarding the possibility of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas for additional hostage releases.

President Joe Biden [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

President Biden, when asked about the possibility of a temporary ceasefire right after delivering a speech on the achievements of his economic policy, so-called 'Bidenomics,' at the White House that day, responded, "The hostages must be released," and "Then we can talk."

Earlier, the armed group Hamas released two American mother and daughter hostages on the 20th and on the same day released two additional Israeli female hostages for the second time.

In response, major foreign media reported that the U.S. government is pressuring Israel to delay the deployment of ground troops to secure additional hostage releases.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, appearing on a broadcast the previous day, drew a line on the U.S. pressure allegations by stating, "Israel has the right and duty to defend itself."

President Biden also confirmed that he discussed the Israel issue during a call with Pope Francis the day before. He said, "The Pope and I see eye to eye," adding, "The Pope showed interest in what we are doing to overcome the current crisis related to the Israel issue."

He continued, "I explained our future plans to the Pope and conveyed that we must provide all the support Israel needs," adding, "The Pope expressed full support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.