Biden says can ‘talk’ about Israel-Hamas ceasefire only after hostages freed
US President Joe Biden said on Monday that any discussions about a Gaza ceasefire could only take place if Hamas frees all hostages seized from Israel in its October 7 attack, AFP reports.
"We should have those hostages released and then we can talk," Biden said at a White House event when asked if he would support a "hostages-for-ceasefire" deal.
Biden then apologized for having to leave the event to promote his economic program ahead of next year's election, saying he had to go to the White House Situation Room for "another issue I have to deal with."
His comments came shortly after Hamas said they had freed two more women hostages abducted from Israel.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that "we welcome today's today’s release of two Israeli citizens held hostage by Hamas."
Israel on Monday increased the number of confirmed hostages to 222 people seized when Hamas gunmen crossed the border and attacked kibbutz communities, towns and military bases in southern Israel.
Israeli officials say the Hamas militants killed 1,400 people in the nation's worst-ever attack.
