US President Joe Biden described the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas as a significant step towards ending the violence in Gaza.
“After months of intense diplomacy by the United States, in collaboration with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to halt the fighting and release hostages,” he remarked.
He added that the agreement would provide much-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and reunite hostages with their families after over 15 months of captivity.
Biden explained that the foundation for the deal was set on May 31, 2024, following a unanimous endorsement by the United Nations Security Council.
“This agreement results not only from the intense pressure Hamas has faced and the shifting regional dynamics after a ceasefire in Lebanon and a weakening of Iran, but also from dedicated American diplomacy,” Biden remarked.
He also expressed sympathy for the families who lost loved ones in the October 7 Hamas attack, acknowledging the toll of the war.
“It is long past time for the fighting to end and for the work of building peace and security to begin,” he emphasized.
Biden also recognized the plight of American families affected by the conflict, mentioning that three Americans remain hostage in Gaza and the remains of four others are waiting to return to their homeland.
He pledged that every effort would be made to bring all hostages home under the terms of the agreement.
