Biden Meets Families of Americans Taken Hostage by Hamas

President Biden will meet with the families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas during its attack on Israel in October.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden will hold his first in-person meeting with the families of Americans taken hostage by Hamas during the group's brutal attack on Israel on October 7, according to two White House officials. The exact number of families attending the meeting, either in person or via videoconference, has not yet been disclosed. Biden has previously met with some family members virtually and spoken to others over the phone, the officials said, requesting anonymity to discuss the president's schedule.

Biden's Commitment to Israel and Hostage Return

During a meeting with donors in Washington on Friday, Biden emphasized the unwavering commitment of the United States to Israel and vowed to continue efforts until every hostage is safely returned home. He stated, "We're not going to stop until every hostage is returned home," underscoring the importance of securing the release of all Americans held captive.

Hamas' Surprise Attack and Hostage Situation

The meeting comes after Hamas launched a surprise air, sea, and land incursion into Israeli towns on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, primarily civilians, and the capture of over 240 individuals as hostages. Four Americans were subsequently released as part of a U.S.-negotiated ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, which was facilitated with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt.

Number of American Casualties

The White House has confirmed that at least 31 Americans were killed by Hamas and other militant groups during the October 7 attacks. NBC News was the first to report on the upcoming meeting between President Biden and the families of the affected Americans.