Biden says doesn’t know ‘for fact’ that no hostages being held in Hamas tunnels

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US President Joe Biden speaks during a joint press conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House in Washington, on December 12, 2023. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)
US President Joe Biden speaks during a joint press conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House in Washington, on December 12, 2023. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)

US President Joe Biden is asked about reports that Israel has begun pumping seawater into Hamas tunnels in Gaza.

“With regard to the flooding of the tunnels… There (are) assertions being made that there [are] no hostages in any of these tunnels, but I don’t know that for a fact,” Biden says in response to a question on the matter during a press conference at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky.

“I do know that, though, every civilian death is an absolute tragedy, and Israel has stated its intent to match its words with actions,” the American president adds.

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