US President Joe Biden spoke on Wednesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “to welcome the deal for the release of at least 50 hostages held by Hamas,”, the White House said in a statement following the call.
“The two leaders discussed the pause in the fighting, which will allow for surging in much needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The Prime Minister thanked the President for his tireless efforts, and those of his team, to help broker this deal,” added the statement.
It also said that Biden and Netanyahu “agreed that the work is not yet done and the President assured the Prime Minister that he will continue working to secure the release of all remaining hostages.”
“The President further emphasized the importance of maintaining calm along the Lebanese border as well as in the West Bank. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact directly and through their teams over the coming days,” said the statement.
The phone call took place as Israel announced that the beginning of the release of the hostages being held by Hamas will not occur before Friday, despite initial reports that the release would begin on Thursday.
An Israeli official told Kan 11 News that there is a 24-hour delay in the implementation of the agreement, because the agreement has not yet been signed by the other side - Hamas and Qatar.
The government voted on Tuesday night to approve the hostage deal with Hamas, with only the ministers from Otzma Yehudit voting against the deal.
Biden welcomed the deal in a statement released after the vote in Israel, saying, “It is important that all aspects of this deal be fully implemented.”
“As President, I have no higher priority than ensuring the safety of Americans held hostage around the world. That’s why, from the earliest moments of Hamas’ brutal assault, my national security team and I have worked closely with regional partners to do everything possible to secure the release of our fellow citizens. We saw the first results of that effort in late October, when two Americans were reunited with their loved ones. Today’s deal should bring home additional American hostages, and I will not stop until they are all released,” stated Biden.