US President Joe Biden expressed optimism about the release of hostages by Hamas and called it a “start” towards a potential extension of the temporary truce in Gaza. Biden made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he was celebrating Thanksgiving with his family. He also emphasized the need to revive efforts towards a two-state solution for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Hamas handed over a group of 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis, 10 Thais, and a Filipino, to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza. In return, Israel released 39 women and minors who were held in its prisons. The Qatari foreign ministry confirmed these actions.
The four-day truce, aimed at facilitating the release of hostages and prisoners, was holding successfully. Biden, who played a key role in securing the pause in the violent conflict between Israel and Hamas, expressed optimism about the possibility of extending the truce, stating, “I think the chances are real.”
Biden commended the progress made so far in implementing the deal, describing it as a positive start. He stressed the need for a broader effort to establish a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, emphasizing the importance of renewing efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
In Gaza, officials from the Hamas-run territory reported that nearly 15,000 people, including 6,150 children, have been killed in the war. Israeli officials stated that approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed during the October 7 attack, with around 240 individuals taken hostage.
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