President Biden praises hostage deal that will free hostages held in Gaza Strip

US President Joe Biden welcomed the agreement to release a minimum of 50 hostages held in Gaza, emphasising the importance of the full implementation of all aspects of the deal. According to the Israeli government, the outline of the agreement stipulates that Hamas will release at least 50 of the approximately 240 hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack over four days. Qatar, serving as a mediator with Hamas, later confirmed the deal, announcing that the start time would be disclosed within the next 24 hours, and the agreement would last for four days. “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,” said Biden, who was in Nantucket, Massachusetts, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Biden said the agreement should release some American hostages, and added, “I will not stop until they are all released.” Biden emphasized that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to supporting an “extended pause” to make sure not only all hostages are released but that humanitarian assistance can be sent to Palestinians in Gaza. “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,” Biden said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said before the Cabinet voted early Wednesday that the war would continue even if a deal was reached. Israel, the United States and Qatar have been negotiating for weeks over a hostage release that would be paired with a temporary cease-fire in Gaza and the entry of more humanitarian aid. Israel says Hamas uses civilians and hospitals as shields, while critics say Israel’s siege and relentless aerial bombardment amount to collective punishment of the territory’s 2.3 million Palestinians after Hamas’ Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel. With inputs from AP.