Wed 22 October 2023:
US President Joe Biden has released a statement, specifically welcoming the deal to release captives held by Hamas.
“I welcome the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by the terrorist group Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7th.
“Jill and I have been keeping all those held hostage and their loved ones close to our hearts these many weeks, and I am extraordinarily gratified that some of these brave souls, who have endured weeks of captivity and an unspeakable ordeal, will be reunited with their families once this deal is fully implemented.
“I thank Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for their critical leadership and partnership in reaching this deal.
“And I appreciate the commitment that Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government have made in supporting an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out and to ensure the provision of additional humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinian families in Gaza.
“I look forward to speaking with each of these leaders and staying in close contact as we work to ensure this deal is carried through in its entirety.
“It is important that all aspects of this deal be fully implemented. As president, I have no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world. That’s why – from the earliest moments of Hamas’s brutal assault – my national security team and I have worked closely with regional partners to do everything possible to secure the release of our fellow citizens.
“We saw the first results of that effort in late October, when two Americans were reunited with their loved ones. Today’s deal should bring home additional American hostages, and I will not stop until they are all released.
“Today’s deal is a testament to the tireless diplomacy and determination of many dedicated individuals across the United States government to bring Americans home.”
Three American captives expected to be released in Gaza deal, US official says
The official said Washington anticipates that more than 50 captives will be freed as part of the initial phase of the deal.
The US also hopes the pause in fighting in Gaza will see a “surge” in humanitarian supplies being allowed into the bombarded enclave, the official added.
Qatar confirms humanitarian pause, exchange deal for Gaza captives
A statement posted by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided additional details including that:
- The starting time of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours
- The pause will last for four days, subject to extension
- The agreement includes the release of 50 civilian women and children currently held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of several Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons.
What we know about captives held by Hamas
Fighting will be paused for an additional day for every further 10 captives freed from Gaza.
Here’s a look at what we know about the captives:
- Israel says at least 237 people were captured during the October 7 attacks by Hamas
- They include 33 children, according to the Israeli government
- The captives come from more than 40 countries; including at least 20 Thai farm workers
- Some of the captives are Israeli soldiers. One Israeli soldier was already rescued
- Hamas has released four people already – two Israeli citizens and two US citizens
- Hamas has said 50 captives have been killed in Israeli air raids on the Gaza Strip
- Israel also says the bodies of two female captives were recovered near the Al-Shifa Hospital complex
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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