“We don’t know when that can happen, however we count on it to happen. And we don’t know what the record of all of the hostages are or after they’ll be launched, however we all know the numbers after they’re going to be launched. So my hope and expectation is that it will likely be quickly,” Biden mentioned, responding to a query from a reporter about when Individuals can be launched.
Underneath the settlement introduced earlier this week, Hamas is anticipated to launch a complete of fifty hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners, all ladies and youngsters. The deal, which emerged from talks involving Israel, Hamas, Qatar, the U.S. and a number of other exterior teams, may very well be seen as a uncommon vivid spot amid a number of weeks of loss of life and devastation. Greater than 200 vehicles additionally arrived in Gaza on Friday, carrying gas, meals, medication and cooking gasoline, Biden mentioned, and tons of extra are anticipated to reach within the coming days.
“I don’t belief Hamas to do something proper,” Biden mentioned of the continued negotiations. “I solely belief Hamas to answer stress.”
Whereas a number of administration officers say the deal is proof that their technique towards the Israel-Hamas struggle is working, the president didn’t take a victory lap on Friday, as roughly 200 hostages will stay in captivity.
The hostages suffered immeasurable trauma, Biden mentioned.
“All of those hostages have been via a horrible ordeal. And that is the start of a protracted journey of therapeutic for them,” Biden mentioned. “The teddy bears ready to greet these kids on the hospital are a stark reminder of the trauma these kids have been via at such a really younger age.”
Hamas killed 1,200 individuals Oct. 7, and Israel’s response has killed greater than 13,000 individuals.
The political problem going through the president is much from fading as progressive-minded Democrats ramp up requires a cease-fire. Biden mentioned Friday that he’s inspired Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “give attention to attempting to cut back the variety of casualties,” whereas attempting to remove Hamas, which he referred to as a authentic goal.
Biden additionally faces an uphill climb in securing help for Israel, as some members of his celebration name for circumstances connected to help for Israel, reminiscent of a discount in bombing.
“I believe that’s a worthwhile thought,” Biden mentioned. “However I don’t assume if I began off with that that we’d’ve ever gotten to the place we obtained at present. We have now to take this a bit at a time.”