US President Joe Biden has said he was "extraordinarily gratified" that some hostages would be released after the Israeli government and Hamas agreed to a four day pause in fighting to release 50 hostages in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel and the entry of humanitarian aid into the war-torn coastal strip.
In a statement released by the White House, Biden said, "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," the statement added.
Lauding the efforts of all parties involved in the negotiations to secure the deal, Biden said, "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."
“The Israeli government is committed to the return of all abductees home”, a statement said on behalf of the government.
“Tonight, the government approved the outline for the first stage of achieving this goal, according to which at least 50 abductees — women and children — will be released for four days, during which there will be a lull in the fighting. The release of every 10 additional abductees will result in an additional day of respite,” it added.
Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu said, “We are at war, and the war will continue until all our goals are achieved. We will not rest until everyone is returned. The war has stages and the return of the hostages will have stages.”