Biden ‘hopeful’ American hostages will be released from Gaza ‘soon’

President Joe Biden expressed his optimism regarding Hamas releasing American hostages ‘soon’ on Saturday.

Biden has spent the weekend on the island of Nantucket, off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The president addressed a gaggle of press Saturday, and was asked about the possible release of American hostages, which include nine citizens and one green card holder, after 17 were released the same day.

SENATE MUST PASS SHIP ACT TO COUNTERACT IRAN’S TERRORISM

“I‘m hopeful you’ll see something soon,” Biden said.

A four-day truce began Friday to allow for the release of two groups of hostages, who were released in two groups over the last two days. The entire first family has been met with protesters on behalf of Palestinians during their stay.

Saturday’s group included 13 Israelis and 4 Thai hostages, with an age range of hostages from age three, Yahel Shoham, to 67, Shoshan Haran. Israel Defense Forces plans to transport them to Israeli hospitals before reuniting them officially with their families. The day marked the 50th day they had been hostage to Hamas.

There were nine relatives across four families released together. However, 13-year-old Hila Rotem was among the hostages returned to Israel despite her mother, Raaya Rotem, 54, remaining in the custody of Hamas. It was part of the deal between Israel and Hamas that families not be separated. Raaya’s condition remains unknown.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“We will not stop until every single one of the hostages is reunited with their families,” Israel wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Israel exchanged 39 Palestinian civilians to Hamas to seal the deal Saturday. According to Israeli officials, over 62% of those Palestinians detained by Israel have committed terror attacks such as shooting, stabbing, or setting off explosives. Another 14% attempted terror attacks, over 10% had terror contact, and the remaining 11% had committed “other” crimes.