From the Liveblog of
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Families of American hostages thank Biden for ’embrace’ following video call
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
The families of American citizens being held hostage in Gaza issue a statement thanking US President Joe Biden for vowing to bring their loved ones home.
“We feel the embrace of the administration and its support as we navigate this terrible time,” say the families.
The families reiterate their declaration that the US has a responsibility to do all it can to secure the release of the US citizens held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, urging Biden to “use all means and resources at his disposal” to ensure the wounded receive urgent life-saving medical care “before it is too late” and to act for the immediate release of all hostages.
“Time is critical and every day that passes puts our loved ones at greater risk,” say the families.
Biden held a virtual meeting Friday with families of 14 Americans who are unaccounted for after the Hamas attacks.
“They have to know that the president of the United States of America cares deeply about what’s happening. Deeply,” Biden told CBS’s “60 Minutes” on Thursday.
