US Government says American hostages held by Hamas are its “top priority”

The US Vice President, Kamala Harris, stated this Saturday that the top priority of the Government of Joe Biden is the release of the American hostages who remain held by Hamas and that they have not been part of the second group of those released either.

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“Our top priority, of course, is the American citizens who are detained,” Harris said in statements to the media.

After the release yesterday of 13 Israeli hostages, 10 Thais and one Filipino, a second group of people was freed today, consisting of another 13 Israelis and 4 Thais.

As reported yesterday by Biden, among the group of those held by Hamas Since the attacks on October 7, at least two American women and a girl have been there.

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Harris recalled that today there were “some problems and challenges around the implementation” of the agreement, in the resolution of which Biden himself participated.

Hamas He delayed the delivery of a second batch of hostages and accused Israel of violating the terms of the agreement they reached regarding the entry of humanitarian aid and the release of older Palestinian prisoners.

In a statement, the White House reported that Biden He held a call with the Emir of Qatar, Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, and with the Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, about “the obstacles to the implementation of the agreement and the mechanisms to resolve them as soon as possible.”

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“They agreed to remain in close contact to ensure that the agreement is fully implemented in accordance with its terms,” the statement noted.

Israel and Hamas agreed this week, with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar and the United States, to exchange 50 Israeli hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners, during four days of truce, and the entry of 200 trucks of humanitarian aid daily into the Gaza Strip.

In both cases it would always be women, children and adolescents and the ceasefire may be extended if Hamas It undertakes to release at least ten captives per day, in exchange for the release of three times as many Palestinian prisoners.

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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III also spoke this Saturday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss the status of the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

Austin shared his opinion that humanitarian aid must increase and that civilians must have safe areas to receive aid throughout Loopthe Department reported in a statement.

The Secretary highlighted the US’ “unwavering support” for Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorism and received updates on the Israel Defense Forces’ operational pause in Gaza while hostages are released.

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In addition, Austin reaffirmed the United States’ interest in preventing the conflict in Gaza from expanding to Lebanon.

He condemned the continued cross-border attacks from Lebanon into Israel and expressed support for the safe return of Israeli civilians to their homes in the north.