Hostage exchange begins in Gaza! Statement from US President Biden

As part of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Hamas and Israel have begun handing over hostages to the Red Cross. US President Joe Biden is making a statement on his final day at the White House regarding the start of the hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas.

Stating that "The ceasefire was achieved with our support," Biden said, "There could have been a much larger war in the Middle East; we prevented that. The next administration needs to do the same."

Highlights from Biden's remarks are as follows;

Following long-term negotiations, the hostage exchange has begun. The war, which has been ongoing for 15 months, has been halted with the ceasefire. There is great destruction in Gaza. The ceasefire was achieved with our support. The support of Qatar and Egypt also paved the way for the ceasefire to take effect; the negotiations were not easy at all. However, at the point we have reached today, we exerted great pressure on both the Hamas and Israeli sides.

"WE REACHED THIS POINT WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY"

With the work we have done between Israel and Lebanon, we also achieved a ceasefire in Lebanon. Today, Iran is in a very weak position. There is a very good opportunity in Lebanon, and a future without Hezbollah awaits. In Syria, free governments are being established without Assad and Hezbollah. Countries in the region are seeking a path to a healthier future.

We faced very large obstacles, but we were somehow able to succeed. A 6-week ceasefire has begun. Achieving the ceasefire and the hostage exchange is a point we reached after going through great difficulties. The US administration will continue to monitor the continuation of this process.

News Source: 12punto