President Biden on Sunday celebrated the release of the 4-year-old American hostage just released by Hamas, while saying he is optimistic about the possibility of extending Monday’s planned end to Israel’s ceasefire with the terrorist group. .
Abigail Mor Edan, who turned four on Friday during her captivity, was among 17 hostages freed by Hamas on Sunday during the third day of the lull in fighting.
“Jill and I, along with so many Americans, are praying for her recovery,” Biden said during his remarks from Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he spent Thanksgiving. “She is free and now she is in Israel.”
Israel and Hamas on Friday began their four-day pause in the war in exchange for the daily release of hostages and permission for aid to flow into the Gaza Strip.
Biden expressed optimism that the pause, which will end Monday with the latest wave of hostages released, could be extended.
“For weeks, I have been advocating for a pause in fighting for two purposes: to increase assistance reaching Gaza civilians in need and to facilitate [the] release of hostages,” Biden said.
Abigail Mor Edan was in her father’s arms when a Hamas terrorist shot him dead. He fell on top of her as she died. Courtesy of the family President Biden applauded Abigail’s release.REUTERS
“The agreement requires that every 10 hostages released be extended one more day. So I hope this is not the end, that it continues, but we don’t know,” he added.
The president said his perception of the situation is that key players in the region are looking for a way to “end this so that all the hostages are freed.”
Palestinian prisoners have also been exchanged for Israeli hostages in the deal.
A total of 240 people are estimated to be held captive by Hamas, including at least nine Americans and one legal permanent resident of the United States, according to officials.
Abigail’s parents were murdered at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, according to her great-aunt Liz Hirsh Naftali.
Abigail Mor Edan is pictured with her family before the kidnapping. Her parents were murdered by Hamas. NBC News Abigail Mor Edan turned 4 on Friday while she was held captive in Hamas. Courtesy of the family
Biden did not offer many details about Abigal’s condition.
“The only thing I know is that they have detained her. … I haven’t seen a photograph,” Biden said. “She is safe in Israel.”
Friends and family mourn Smadar Edan and Roy Edan.REUTERS
Biden thanked the Emir of Qatar for the hostage negotiations and revealed plans to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “shortly.”
He highlighted that the United States has been in constant contact with its counterparts in Qatar, Egypt and Israel.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn