U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday reiterated his commitment to bring the remaining 100 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza home, as he enters the final month of his presidency.
“I’ve gotten over 100 hostages out. I will not stop until I get every single one of them out,” said Biden at his final White House Chanukah party.
The remarks come amid reports of an imminent deal with Hamas for the release of hostages before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
President Biden added that he was inspired by the power of the Jewish people’s hope and optimistic spirit, both in his own life and in the life of the nation.
“Shine your light. Shine the light of optimism,” he said. “Above all, keep the faith.”
Months of on-again off-again negotiations have failed to bring about the release of the remaining hostages since an accord reached last year freed 105 of them.
About 250 people were abducted from their homes during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre in southern Israel.
