Biden "Welcomes Agreement on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Plan"... 3 US Hostages Expected to Be Released

Hostage Release Expected to Begin on the 23rd
Three Americans Including Children and Women Anticipated to Be Freed

U.S. President Joe Biden on the 21st (local time) welcomed the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas on a temporary ceasefire plan centered on a hostage exchange and a four-day halt to fighting.

President Joe Biden of the United States

Biden Expresses Gratitude to Egypt and Qatar: "All Americans Will Continue Efforts Until Release"

In a statement posted on the White House website that day, President Biden said, "I welcome this agreement that guarantees the release of hostages kidnapped by the terrorist group Hamas, which brutally attacked Israel." He added, "I am very pleased that some of the brave individuals who endured weeks of captivity and unspeakable trials will be reunited with their families."

President Biden also expressed gratitude to Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, who mediated the negotiations, saying they "showed crucial leadership and partnership in bringing about this deal."

He further thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli government officials for supporting a long-term (combat) pause to ensure humanitarian aid could be delivered to innocent Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip. He expressed hope to maintain close communication with these leaders during efforts to fully implement the agreement, emphasizing the importance of all aspects of the agreement being fully carried out.

Biden, who is challenging the U.S. presidential election in November next year, seemed aware of domestic public opinion regarding the situation, stressing, "As president, nothing is a higher priority for me than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world."

He said, "Since the Hamas attack began, my national security team and I have worked closely with regional partners to do everything possible to secure the release of our fellow citizens," and expressed hope that "today's deal (negotiation settlement) will bring American hostages home." He added, "I will not stop until they are all released," describing the negotiation settlement as evidence of the tireless diplomacy and determination of many officials within the U.S. administration.

Hamas Expected to Begin Releases from the 23rd... Three Americans Likely to Be Freed

According to the Israeli government, Hamas plans to release at least 50 hostages held in the Gaza Strip over four days. It is reported that at least three Americans are likely to be among those released. A senior U.S. administration official, speaking anonymously to Bloomberg, identified them as "a three-year-old girl and two women who meet the release criteria." They are expected to be among the ten Americans the U.S. government has identified as missing in the Gaza Strip.

As clashes between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas continue, Palestinian residents are evacuating south along Salah al-Din Road on the 18th (local time).
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The senior official said, "It is understood that more than 50 women and children hostages are held by Hamas," and that efforts are underway to ensure their release during the first phase. While the initial focus is on releasing women and children, the official also indicated intentions to pursue the release of men and Israeli soldiers through ongoing agreements.

The hostage release is expected to begin at the earliest on the morning of the 23rd, Israel time. The official explained, "Considering the procedures Israel must follow after the negotiation settlement, about 24 hours will be needed."

However, when asked whether this agreement could be interpreted as the start of a long-term ceasefire, the senior official drew a line, saying, "There is a set time limit for the (ceasefire)."

Israel has not wavered in its intention to continue the war. On the 21st, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated at an Israeli cabinet meeting, "There are absurd rumors that the war will end if the fighting stops for a moment," adding, "We are at war and will continue the war until all objectives are achieved."

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