Biden to meet this week with families of US hostages held in Gaza

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with the families of Americans held hostage in Gaza this week. The national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, informed the families that Biden would meet with them later this week. In addition to this meeting, Biden is also expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although the date is subject to change as the president recovers from Covid-19. Currently isolating at his Delaware home, Biden plans to return to the White House on Tuesday.

There are eight dual-American citizens believed to be still captive in Gaza, with a few confirmed dead. The Biden administration has not disclosed the well-being or whereabouts of the remaining hostages. As these meetings take place, a ceasefire and hostage release proposal that Biden has been advocating for has yet to be finalized.

Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining alliances, promoting peace, and bringing hostages home during a call with Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign headquarters. A State Department spokesperson mentioned that a potential hostage deal between Israel and Hamas is nearing completion but unresolved issues persist. Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to Washington, DC, raises questions about the possibility of a deal beforehand.