He calls the agreement a “testament to diplomacy.”
President Joe Biden commended the agreement Israel has made to a 4-day ceasefire with Hamas brokered by the U.S. and Qatar. The deal includes the release of 50 hostages and Israel’s release of 150 Palestinian prisoners. It also allows the replenishment of humanitarian aid from Egypt into Gaza.
President Biden, who is in Nantucket, Massachusetts, to celebrate Thanksgiving, said, “Jill and I have been keeping all those held hostage and their loved ones close to our hearts these many weeks, and I am extraordinarily gratified that some of these brave souls, who have endured weeks of captivity and an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented.”
“As President, I have no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world,“ he said. “Today’s deal should bring home additional American hostages, and I will not stop until they are all released. Today’s deal is a testament to the tireless diplomacy and determination of many dedicated individuals across the United States Government to bring Americans home.”
In a separate statement, Vice President Kamala Harris said, “I welcome the commitment that Israel has made to support an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out and to ensure additional humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza. The flow of aid must substantially increase and civilians must be protected. We also call on Hamas to release all the remaining hostages.”
A statement from Hamas said, “As we announce the striking of a truce agreement, we affirm that our fingers remain on the trigger, and our victorious fighters will remain on the lookout to defend our people and defeat the occupation.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “We are at war, and we will continue the war. We will continue until we achieve all our goals.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and secretary of state as they seek to ensure the release of all American hostages.
- For the Israeli prime minister and leadership to be discerning as they negotiate with Hamas.
- For the peace of Jerusalem and for the people who remain captive by Hamas.
Sources: Washington Examiner, Reuters, PBS
