From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Biden vows to keep working to free Gaza hostages ‘until every one of them is home’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden pledges to free the remaining 100 hostages still in Gaza, while addressing his final White House Hanukkah party.
“I’ve gotten over 100 hostages out. I will not stop until I get every single one of them home,” Biden says to cheers from hundreds in the audience.
Speaking before Biden is Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who has led the administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism.
“Tonight, I am rededicating myself to fighting antisemitism and hatred of all kinds,” Emhoff says, pledging to continue his efforts after the administration’s term ends in just over a month.
Introducing Biden is deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology Anne Neuberger, who thanks the president for “pay[ing] a shiva call” to Israel, referring to his visit to Israel days after Hamas’s October 7 onslaught.
Biden reiterates his belief that you don’t have to be Jewish to be a Zionist.
“And I’m a Zionist,” he says to applause.
On the menu at the Hanukkah party are latkes, pareve sour cream and thin cuts of beef tenderloin, along with jelly- and chocolate-filled donuts.
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