Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

August 31, 2024

Reported Death of Hostages in Gaza, Palestinian Territories

Q. Anything on the Middle East, Mr. President?

The President. I don't have much to report. My staff has been in contact with the Israelis. They've discovered bodies in Gaza. They're not sure the exact number; they haven't taken them out yet. And in the meantimeââ

[*At this point, a bystander could be heard shouting as follows*.]

Bystander. Choose life, Mr. President! Choose life while you still have time to undo some of the terrible things you've done!

The President. And, in the meantime, they want to identify the bodies. There's a lot of speculation who they areâthe names. I'm not at liberty to do that until the families are notified.

And it's time this war ended. We should end this war. I think we're on the verge of having an agreement. It's just time to end it. It's time to finish it.

Bystander. We love you! We love you! We love you, Joe!

Efforts To Achieve a Cease-Fire and Hostage Release Deal Between Israel and Hamas

Q. Why do you think you're on the verge of an agreement? How optimistic are you?

The President. I'm still optimistic because the leaders of both have ledâhave met in Gazaâ in bothâin Egypt. Our people are continuing to meet, and we think we can close the deal.

They've all said they agree on the principles. So keep your fingers crossed.

Q. Sir, have you spoken to Netanyahu?

Q. [Inaudible]âweekend? Are they resuming next week?

The President. Yes. There are talks.

2024 Republican Presidential Nominee Former President Donald J. Trump

Q. Mr. President, what do you think of President Trump's behavior in Arlington Cemetery with the visit to the fallen soldiers?

The President. I don't want to answer because I may tell you what I think. Thank you.

2024 Democratic Presidential Nominee Vice President Kamala D. Harris

Q. Did you watch your Vice President's interview on CNN?

The President. Yes. She did a good job.

Q. Anything on the ISIS operation, Mr. President?

The President's Schedule

Q. What are your campaign plans, Mr. President?

The President. [Inaudible] We're going to beâI'm doing Memorial Day [Labor Day; White House correction] in Pittsburgh, and I'm on the road from there on.

NOTE: The President spoke at 6:25 p.m. outside St. Edmond Roman Catholic Church. Reporters referred to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel; and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist organization. The transcript was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on September 3.

Categories: Interviews With the News Media : Exchanges with reporters, Rehoboth Beach, DE. Locations: Rehoboth Beach, DE

Names: Harris, Kamala D.

Subjects: Delaware, President's visit; Gaza, conflict with Israel; Gaza, hostages held by Hamas; Israel, military operations in Gaza; News media, Presidential interviews; Vice President.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400739.