Biden says he believes hostages held by Hamas will be released

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden sought to reassure the families of the over 200 hostages taken to the besieged Gaza Strip by Hamas, saying he believes their release will occur.

"I've been talking with people involved every single day. I believe it's going to happen, but I don't want to get any detail," Biden told reporters at the White House.

Asked what his message is for the families, Biden said: "Hang in there. We're coming."

The hostages were taken to Gaza following Hamas' cross-border attack on Oct. 7 in which roughly 1,200 people were killed. Israel has revised down its casualty toll from an earlier estimate of over 1,400.

The Gulf state of Qatar is leading ongoing mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing the release of the hostages.

The Palestinian group's armed wing said Monday that Israel is procrastinating over a possible deal that would see dozens of Israeli hostages released in exchange for the freeing of Palestinian women and children being held in Israel’s prisons.

Israel estimates that at least 239 people, including both military personnel and civilians, are being held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, including women and children, besides damaging and destroying thousands of civilian structures in its relentless air and ground attacks on Gaza since last month.