Biden on Hostage Release: "Just the Beginning... Ceasefire Extension Possible"

U.S. President Joe Biden stated on the 24th (local time) that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after four days of fighting and the partial release of hostages could lead to additional hostage releases.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Biden, who is staying in Nantucket, Massachusetts for the Thanksgiving holiday, held a press conference and described the agreement as "just the beginning," calling it "the result of extensive U.S. diplomacy, including many calls I made from the Oval Office with regional leaders."

President Biden said, "(The agreement) is structured to allow the ceasefire to continue so that more than 50 hostages can be released," adding, "That is our goal."

He continued, "Today's release is the start of the process," and said, "We expect more hostages to be released tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that. Over the next few days, dozens of hostages are expected to return to their families."

He also stated, "We still remember all the hostages who remain detained and reaffirm our commitment to work for their release."

Regarding the fact that no Americans were among the hostages released for the first time, President Biden said, "I don't know when Americans will be released, but I expect that to happen," adding, "We do not know the names or timing of the hostages to be released, but we do know the number of hostages who will be freed. Americans will also be released."

When asked if the ceasefire could be extended, he said, "There is a real possibility."

Regarding the outlook for the war between Israel and Hamas, he said, "I don't know how long it will take to end the war," adding, "As we move forward, my expectation and hope is that Arab countries and the region are slowing down the pace of the war and applying pressure to end it as soon as possible."

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