Family members of American hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza claimed Wednesday that they had a “terrific” meeting with US President Joe Biden and hoped for a “Christmas miracle.”
Biden met with around a dozen family members at the White House for the first time. According to the White House, Secretary of State Antony Blinken also attended.
According to US sources, an estimated eight US hostages have been held since Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, with four released thus far.
The discussion occurred a day after Biden, who has supported Israel since the assaults, gave his harshest criticism yet of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, saying it risks losing global support by “indiscriminate bombing.”
“It was a terrific meeting and conversation,” Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui, 35, is among those held hostage, told reporters after the meeting.
“We were only reinforced in seeing and believing that we could have no better friend in Washington and in the White House than President Biden himself.”
Liz Hirsh Naftali, the great aunt of four-year-old American child Abigail, who was released during a ceasefire in November, said Biden was “bringing out the light in this dark time” by working to rescue other captives.
“We’d love a Christmas miracle,” she said. “We would love all of our loved ones to come back and be with us for Christmas.”
The White House later said Biden was “grateful” to the families for “the time that they afforded him.”
“He was moved by their stories, by the love they feel, by the hope that they still harbor,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
According to Israeli authorities, the Gaza conflict began on October 7 when Hamas gunmen invaded Israel, killing around 1,200 people, largely civilians, and taking approximately 240 prisoners.
Israel launched a deadly aerial and ground invasion on Gaza, intending to destroy Hamas and free the hostages.
According to the most recent toll from the Hamas-run health ministry, it has left the Palestinian territories in ruins, killing over 18,600 people, largely women and children, and causing significant damage to roads, schools, and hospitals.
Israeli officials say about 135 hostages remain in Gaza.
On Tuesday, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously approved a non-binding cease-fire resolution, further isolating the United States, which has refused to accept a call for a long-term truce.
The Biden administration has stated unequivocally that Israel has the authority to fight Hamas.
However, as civilian casualties escalate in Gaza, the US has increased pressure on Israel to exercise greater caution.
Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor, will fly to Israel on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.