Biden: "Israel and Hamas Close to Reaching Hostage Release Negotiation Agreement"

"China Shuts Down Companies Illegally Trading Fentanyl Precursors"

U.S. President Joe Biden said on the 21st (local time) that negotiations to secure the release of hostages abducted by the Palestinian militant group Hamas are "very close" to being finalized.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At a fentanyl task force meeting held at the White House that day, President Biden stated, "We will be able to bring some of the hostages home very soon."

He added, "I don't want to discuss the details because it’s not over until the negotiations are complete," but explained, "For now, the situation looks positive."

Foreign media reported that Hamas is discussing releasing 50 hostages, including women and children, who were abducted during its surprise attack on Israel on October 7, and that Israel is considering a ceasefire for four to five days. Qatar, which has played a mediating role in the negotiations, also announced that the talks are nearing their final stages.

John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), said at a briefing that day that the hostage negotiations are "closer to a deal than before." However, he refrained from providing specific details, citing concerns that it could negatively affect the negotiations.

He also stated that the U.S. is considering designating the Yemeni Houthi rebels, who seized an Israel-related vessel, as a terrorist organization and urged the unconditional and immediate release of the ship and its crew.

Meanwhile, at the fentanyl task force meeting held at the White House that day, President Biden said, "China is already taking measures to shut down companies illegally trading fentanyl precursors," and pledged to verify China's compliance with the agreement. Earlier, at the U.S.-China summit held on the 15th, the two leaders agreed to cooperate on this issue.

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