President Biden to Meet with Families of Hostages Taken by Hamas
Washington — President Biden is set to hold a meeting at the White House on Wednesday with the family members of Americans who were kidnapped by the militant group Hamas during the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel, according to a White House official.
This will be the first in-person meeting between President Biden and the family members, following a previous video conference call he had with the families of 14 Americans who went missing in October. Other senior members of the Biden administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, have already met with the families in-person.
The exact number of families participating in the meeting is not yet clear. During a campaign fundraiser in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, President Biden reassured the attendees that the United States is "not going to stop until every hostage is returned home."
The president emphasized his unwavering commitment to the safety of Jewish people during a Hanukkah reception at the White House on Monday. He stated that his administration has been working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the hostages.
Israel has accused Hamas of capturing over 240 individuals during its violent rampage across southern Israel on October 7th. The group was responsible for the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis. The United States has officially designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.
As part of a weeklong ceasefire in November, over 100 hostages were released, including two Americans: 4-year-old Abigail Mor Edan and 49-year-old Liat Beinin. Additionally, approximately 240 Palestinians were freed from Israeli prisons during this period. Two other Americans, who hold dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship, were released by Hamas in late October after being held captive.
It is estimated that around 137 hostages are still being held captive in Gaza, with fewer than 10 Americans remaining unaccounted for according to the White House. The October 7th attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 31 Americans.
