Washington, Nov. 22, 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden has welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel that will see the release of some hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip.
“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,’’ Biden said in a statement.
Israel’s government on Wednesday agreed to a four-day ceasefire deal in the Gaza war that includes the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Biden thanked Qatar and Egypt for their “critical leadership and partnership’’ in negotiating the deal.
“And I appreciate the commitment that (Israel) Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government have made in supporting an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out.
“To ensure the provision of additional humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinian families in Gaza.’’
He said the deal “should’’ see the release of some American hostages.
“I will not stop until they are all released,’’ he added.
In its unprecedented terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, Hamas kidnapped about 240 people to the Gaza Strip and killed 1,200 in the border region.
An air and ground offensive by Israel has killed some 13,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Qatar confirms it mediated Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal
Tel Aviv/Gaza, Nov. 22, 2023
Meanwhile, Qatar has confirmed that it successfully mediated the ceasefire deal.
The start of the four-day ceasefire will be announced within the next 24 hours, the Foreign Ministry in Qatar posted early on Wednesday on social media platform X, formerly called Twitter.
Qatar confirmed that Hamas is to release 50 hostages and in return, with yet to be undetermined number of Palestinians to be released from Israeli prisons.
“The number of those released will be increased in later stages of implementing the agreement,’’ the post said.
Qatar added that the humanitarian pause would also allow the entry of a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for humanitarian needs.
“The State of Qatar affirms its commitment to ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, stop the bloodshed, and protect civilians.
“In this regard, the State of Qatar appreciates the efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the U.S. of America in reaching this agreement,’’ the post said.
