8 minutes ago
Netanyahu says extending ceasefire in return for more hostages 'would be welcome' while doubling down on Hamas' destruction after speaking with Biden
By Alex Oliveira
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said watching the return of hostages released by Hamas throughout the weekend simply "stirs the soul" in a video statement released after speaking with President Biden Sunday.
"There is also an outline that says that it is possible to release an additional ten hostages each day. That would be welcome," said, who also vowed to continue Israel's mission to eradicate the terror group once the cease-fire lifts.
"At the same time, I also told President Biden that at the end of the outline, we will go back to realizing our goals with full force: eliminating Hamas, ensuring that Gaza will not go back to being what it was and, of course, releasing all of our hostages."
https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1728889069160235095Fifty-eight hostages have been released by Hamas since the four-day cease-fire with Israel began Friday morning. The terror group agreed to return 50 hostages taken in its October 7 attack, while Israel agreed to hand over 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas was given the opportunity to extend the cease-fire one day for every 10 additional hostages released.
Among the hostages freed Sunday was 4-year-old Israeli-American Abigail Mor Edan, who was orphaned when her parents were murdered while protecting her on October 7.
"What a joy it is to see her with us, but, on the other hand, how sad it is that she is returning to a reality in which she has no parents," Netanyahu said, explaining that he and Biden discussed her situation on their call.
"She has no parents -- but she has an entire nation that embraces her, and we will take care of all her needs."