American mother and daughter first hostages released by Hamas
The TelegraphHe said knowing she may be able to celebrate her 18th birthday next week at home with family and friends felt “wonderful”. Mr Biden appeared to say on Friday night that the US wants Israel to delay its ground invasion of Gaza until more American hostages can be released. Washington had not publicly stated that this was the US position, but when asked on Friday night by reporters if he hoped Israel would pause its invasion to allow more time to rescue hostages taken by Hamas, Mr Biden said: “Yes”. The hostage release is the first since Hamas’ surprise assault, during which they pillaged communities across southern Israel, killing around 1,400 people, mostly civilians. And we continue to ask everyone to pray and beseech God, do an act of goodness and kindness that will make a difference in this world because we can make a difference.” He added: “It is time for people of all walks of life, to stand up and stand proud for morality, for goodness, for civilization, for everything that America and the civilized world stands for.” Tens of thousands of Israeli troops are braced to enter Gaza, home to more than two million people.