Biden speaks with families of Americans believed to be held hostage by Hamas

President Biden on Friday spoke for over an hour with households of Individuals believed to be held hostage by Hamas, in keeping with the White Home and a supply acquainted with the convention name. 

The president, joined by Nationwide Safety Adviser Jake Sullivan, Particular Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, Undersecretary of State John Bass, and Nationwide Safety Council Coordinator for the Center East Brett McGurk, spoke with households of 14 Individuals nonetheless unaccounted for after Hamas attacked Israel, the White Home stated. 

The U.S. believes a few of these 14 Individuals are being held by Hamas, which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist group. Hamas launched an assault on Israel on Oct. 7 that has at the least 1,300 folks. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, the place well being officers say some 1,800 folks have been killed.

President Biden spoke with CBS Information’ Scott Pelley, in an interview for 60 Minutes, earlier than his assembly with the households. 

“I feel they should know that the president of the US of America cares deeply about what’s occurred to them — deeply,” Mr. Biden stated. “We have now to speak to the world that is essential. This isn’t even human habits. It is pure barbarism. And we will do the whole lot in our energy to get them residence if we are able to discover them.” 

In line with Nationwide Safety Council spokesman John Kirby, at the least 27 Individuals have been killed within the newest violence. 

This can be a growing story.