President Biden on Sunday celebrated the release of a 4-year-old American hostage recently freed by Hamas — saying he was optimistic Israel’s scheduled end to Monday’s cease-fire with the terror group might be extended.
Abigail Mor Edan, who turned 4 on Friday while in captivity, was among 17 hostages released by Hamas on Sunday during the third day of a ceasefire.
“Jill and I along with many Americans are praying for the fact that he’s going to be okay,” Biden said during a speech from Nantucket, Mass., where he spent Thanksgiving. “He’s free, and he’s in Israel now.”
Israel and Hamas began their four-day ceasefire in the war Friday in exchange for the daily release of hostages and allowing aid to flow into the Gaza Strip.
Biden voiced confidence that the pause, which was due to end Monday with the last wave of hostages being freed, could be extended.
“For weeks, I have been advocating for a pause in the fighting for two purposes: to increase aid to Gaza’s civilians in need and to facilitate [the] hostage release,” Biden said.
Abigail Mor Edan was in her father’s arms when he was shot dead by Hamas terrorists. He fell on top of her when he died. Courtesy of President Biden’s family cheering Abigail’s release.REUTERS
“The agreement requires every 10 hostages released to extend another day. So I hope this is not the end, it will continue — but we don’t know,” he added.
The president said his feeling about the situation is that the major players in the region are looking for a way “to end this so that all the hostages are released.”
Palestinian prisoners were also exchanged for Israeli hostages in the deal.
There are an estimated 240 people detained by Hamas, including at least nine Americans and one legal US permanent resident, according to officials.
Abigail’s parents were killed in kibbutz Kfar Aza, according to her aunt Liz Hirsh Naftali.
Abigail Mor Edan poses with her family before the kidnapping. His parents were killed by Hamas. NBC News Abigail Mor Edan turned 4 on Friday while in Hamas custody. Courtesy of the family
Biden did not provide many details about Abigal’s condition.
“All I know is that he has been arrested. … I’ve never seen a picture,” Biden said. “He is safely locked up in Israel.”
Friends and family mourn Smadar Edan and Roy Edan.REUTERS
Biden thanked the Emir of Qatar for the hostage negotiations and revealed plans to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “immediately.”
He emphasized that the US is in constant contact with its counterparts in Qatar, Egypt, and Israel.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
