Biden: “It’s starting now… More will be released tomorrow.”
Leaders of Britain, Buddhism, China, and EU make welcome statements on social media
Israel and Hamas entered a ceasefire on the 24th (local time) and released hostages and prisoners respectively, and U.S. President Joe Biden and European leaders welcomed this and called for the release of more hostages.
In a speech regarding the release of Hamas hostages while spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, President Biden said, “Today’s release marks the beginning,” and “I expect more hostages to be released tomorrow.” “More hostages will be released the next day,” he emphasized.
When asked whether he thought the ceasefire between the two sides could be extended, he answered, “I think it is possible.” together
“I don’t know when, but it is expected that they will be released soon,” he said, suggesting the possibility of releasing the American hostages.
Leaders of European countries also expressed their welcome through social networking services (SNS).
“It is great news that the first group of hostages has finally been freed,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. “It is almost unfathomable what they and their families have been through in the past few weeks.”
“This is the result of tireless diplomacy,” he said, adding, “I am grateful to everyone who worked hard to make this happen.” Today is just the beginning. “Hamas must unconditionally release all hostages,” he emphasized.
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “I welcome the release of the first group of hostages. “We will continue to work with mediators to secure the release of all hostages.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunnack said: “The humanitarian pause is vital to ending the horrific ordeal of the hostages being held by Hamas and to providing life-saving assistance to Gaza. Thank you for your diplomacy. “We will not stop until all hostages return safely,” he welcomed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a summit with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “The EU and Canada’s efforts are based on the release of all hostages, humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and peace based on the ‘two-state solution.’ “We are focusing on efforts for coexistence,” he said.
He pointed out, “There is nothing that can justify Hamas’ terrorist attacks and the spiral of violence and civilian suffering.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying, “We welcome the return of our people,” and added, “(The release of hostages) is one of the goals of the war, and we are doing our best to achieve all of our goals.”
Earlier, Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day ceasefire for the release of hostages. Instead of releasing 50 Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip, about 150 Palestinian prisoners are released.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office explained in a statement following the agreement that 12 to 13 hostages will be released per day for four days, and that the ceasefire period can be extended by one day for each additional 10 hostages.
Hamas initially released 24 people, including 13 Israeli nationals, 10 Thais, and 1 Filipino, on this day. Israel freed 39 Palestinian prisoners.
According to the Times of Israel (TOI), Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said that the 24 hostages had completed their initial health examination and were in good condition.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.