President Joe Biden mentioned on Sunday that the United States aims to prolong the ceasefire in Gaza to ensure the safe release of hostages, following the release of 17 more hostages, including 14 Israelis, by Hamas. During his address at the White House, Biden emphasized the administration’s objective of extending the cessation of hostilities in Gaza to facilitate the safe return of hostages and to provide essential aid to civilians residing in the area.
The U.S. President affirmed, “We persist in our efforts and anticipate the release of additional Americans. Our commitment remains unwavering until every hostage is reunited with their families.” He further mentioned that his administration is dedicated to prolonging the arrangement responsible for these releases and the temporary cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Biden expressed his and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal commitment to ensuring the full implementation of this agreement and actively working to extend its duration. He highlighted, “We’ve been advocating for weeks to halt the fighting for two critical reasons: to amplify aid reaching civilians in Gaza who require assistance and to facilitate the liberation of hostages.”