Biden welcomes Israel-Hamas deal, vows to continue efforts until all hostages released

US President Joe Biden welcomes the recently announced hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

“Jill and I have been keeping all those held hostage and their loved ones close to our hearts these many weeks, and I am extraordinarily gratified that some of these brave souls, who have endured weeks of captivity and an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented,” Biden says in a statement, thanking the leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Israel for their efforts.

“I appreciate the commitment that Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government have made in supporting an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out and to ensure the provision of additional humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinian families in Gaza.”

“It is important that all aspects of this deal be fully implemented,” he adds, noting that he plans to keep in contact with each of the aforementioned leaders to ensure that the deal is executed in its entirety

“As president, I have no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world. That’s why—from the earliest moments of Hamas’s brutal assault—my national security team and I have worked closely with regional partners to do everything possible to secure the release of our fellow citizens,” Biden says, noting how two Americans were already released on October 20 and that several more are expected to be freed in the coming days as a result of this deal.

“I will not stop until they are all released,” he says.