President Biden Deeply Involved in Hostage Negotiations with Hamas in Gaza
President Biden has announced his involvement in ongoing hostage negotiations to secure the release of foreign and Israeli hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. He expressed a sense of cautious optimism, stating that he is “mildly hopeful” that a deal can be reached.
According to The Washington Post, Hamas has agreed in principle to a tentative deal to release some of the hostages, while Israel is currently weighing its response to the proposal.
In the midst of these negotiations, Israel Defense Forces have reported that their soldiers are continuing operations at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. This comes after troops entered the hospital on Tuesday night.
The situation at the hospital remains unclear, as The Washington Post was unable to independently verify the events on the ground. Calls to doctors at the hospital went unanswered, with all lines leading to voicemail.
It is reported that the hospital complex was housing approximately 700 patients and 3,000 displaced people at the time of the raid, according to U.N. figures.
The delicate negotiations and ongoing military operations in Gaza highlight the complex and volatile situation in the region, as international efforts are underway to secure the safe release of the hostages. President Biden’s direct involvement underscores the urgency and importance of resolving this crisis.