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Biden releases statement on 100 days of hostages’ captivity in Gaza
Slightly more than 100 hostages were freed during a weeklong cessation of hostilities in November 2023.
Biden has pledged to persist in his efforts in the future, while also holding Hamas accountable for the renewed hostilities late last year. / Image - X @POTUS
US President Joe Biden marked 100 days since hostages were taken from Israel on October 7, 2023. Issuing a statement on January 15, he reiterated his commitment to rescuing approximately 140 individuals, still held by Hamas in Gaza, which includes potentially six Americans.
“For 100 days, they have existed in fear for their lives, not knowing what tomorrow will bring,” Biden said in the statement. “For 100 days, their families have lived in agony, praying for the safe return of their loved ones. And for each of those 100 days, the hostages and their families have been at the forefront of my mind as my national security team and I have worked non-stop to try to secure their freedom,” he added.
Slightly more than 100 hostages were freed during a weeklong cessation of hostilities facilitated by Qatar in November after negotiations among Israel, the US, and Hamas. However, there have been no further releases since then. Biden has pledged to persist in his efforts in the future, while also holding Hamas accountable for the renewed hostilities late last year.
“But the United States and our partners have not given up. I look forward to maintaining close contact with my counterparts in Qatar, Egypt, and Israel to return all hostages home and back to their families,” Biden said.
“I will never forget the grief and the suffering I have heard in my meetings with the families of the American hostages. No one should have to endure even one day of what they have gone through, much less 100. On this terrible day, I again reaffirm my pledge to all the hostages and their families — we are with you. We will never stop working to bring Americans home,” he asserted.
On January 13, the Israeli government announced that it had reached an agreement with Hamas, facilitated by Qatari mediators, to provide medication for the remaining hostages.
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