From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Blinken conveys ‘cautious optimism’ for hostage deal in meeting with families
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed guarded hope that Israel will reach a hostage deal with Hamas during a meeting with the Hostages Families Forum, the group says in a statement.
The meeting, between Blinken and the families of American-Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip, “was positive, with Blinken conveying cautious optimism about the emerging deal for their release,” the group states.
Among those present is Aviva Siegel, who spent 51 days in Hamas captivity and whose husband Keith is still being held in Gaza.
“We express our sincere gratitude to Secretary Blinken and the Biden Administration for their unwavering support and assistance throughout this agonizing ordeal,” the group says. “We must never forget that there are 133 hostages from over 20 nationalities languishing in captivity under Hamas terrorists. We urgently implore international efforts to secure the freedom of all innocent people unjustly detained.”
The Times of Israel Community.