Biden says there won’t be a ceasefire in Gaza until after hostages are released as he cuts his remarks early to head to the Situation Room
- Biden discussed the tense situation in the Middle East during the ‘Bidenomics’ event
- He said hostages should be released, ‘then we will talk’
- Hamas has released a second pair of hostages, estimated at 200
President Joe Biden said Monday he had suppressed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, telling Hamas to release hostages the militants had captured from Israel — “then we’ll talk.”
He made the comment at the White House shortly after reports that Hamas had released two hostages held in Gaza after the October 7 terrorist attack, bringing the total number of those released to four.
He was asked if any hostages had been released for a ceasefire.
“We need to release those hostages, then we’ll talk,” Biden responded.
President Joe Biden called on Hamas to release hostages when asked about ceasefire
Israel is demanding the release of all the estimated 200 hostages captured by Hamas fighters during the cross-border attack. It has called in reserves and troops to the border while shelling targets in Gaza.
Biden ended his remarks, at an event meant to highlight his “Bidenomics” agenda, by apologizing and citing a national security development.
“My apologies, I have to go to the Situation Room for another issue I’m dealing with,” he said.
His event started after schedule on Monday following initial news reports of the release of an additional pair of hostages.
Hamas released two American terrorists last week as the Biden administration negotiated to secure the first convoy of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The president spoke as protesters have called for a ceasefire, while some “squad members” have accused both Hamas and the Israeli government of “war crimes.”
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said repeatedly on Monday that the administration’s goal was to give Israel the tools it needs while providing aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza and the release of hostages secures.
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the latest figure for Americans still missing after October 7 is ten.
Kirby repeated that song Monday. He said the number of Americans believed to be held captive is still “about a handful.”