Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

November 21, 2023

I welcome the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by the terrorist group Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7.

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.

I thank Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for their critical leadership and partnership in reaching this deal. And I appreciate the commitment that Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government have made in supporting an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out and to ensure the provision of additional humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinian families in Gaza. I look forward to speaking with each of these leaders and staying in close contact as we work to ensure this deal is carried through in its entirety. It is important that all aspects of this deal be fully implemented.

As President, I have no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world. That's whyâfrom the earliest moments of Hamas's brutal assaultâmy national security team and I have worked closely with regional partners to do everything possible to secure the release of our fellow citizens. We saw the first results of that effort in late October, when two Americans were reunited with their loved ones. 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.

NOTE: The statement referred to Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar; and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel; and Evanston, IL, residents Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie Raanan, U.S. citizens who were released on October 20 after being taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 assault against Israel.

Categories: Statements by the President : Release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, Palestinian Territories.

Names: Biden, Jill T.; Elsisi, Abdelfattah Said; Netanyahu, Benjamin; Raanan, Judith; Raanan, Natalie; Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir.

Subjects: Egypt, President; Gaza, conflict with Israel; Gaza, hostages held by Hamas; Gaza, humanitarian situation; Gaza, international assistance; Hamas political-paramilitary organization; Hostages and U.S. nationals detained overseas, repatriation efforts; Israel, military operations in Gaza; Israel, Prime Minister; Qatar, Amir.

DCPD Number: DCPD202301044.

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