Biden Hails Return of Israeli Hostages

By Hamodia Staff

President Joe Biden on Saturday celebrated the return of four Israeli hostages rescued alive from Gaza, with other world leaders also commending their release from Hamas captivity.

At a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Biden expressed his support, stating, “We won’t stop working until all the hostages come home and a ceasefire is reached.” He emphasized the importance of achieving this goal, saying, “That’s essential to happen.”

The operation occurred as Biden pushed for an Israeli proposal for a hostage-for-ceasefire deal with Hamas, aiming to end the conflict triggered by the terror group’s Oct. 7 attack. This proposal was a key topic in Biden’s discussions with Macron during their meeting in Paris.

Hamas has not formally responded to the proposal and maintains that any agreement must end the fighting—a condition Israel rejects, as it is committed to dismantling the Hamas.

“The United States is supporting all efforts to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas, including American citizens,” stated National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, praising the “daring” mission by the IDF.

Despite US concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza, Sullivan’s statement did not address the dozens of Palestinians reportedly killed during the rescue operation.

Sullivan also underscored the potential for a broader deal, stating, “The hostage release and ceasefire deal that is now on the table would secure the release of all the remaining hostages together with security assurances for Israel and relief for the innocent civilians in Gaza.” He highlighted the international support for this deal, noting its endorsement by the G7, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, UAE, Qatar, and the sixteen countries with citizens still held by Hamas. “They all must be released — now,” Sullivan concluded.