President Joe Biden on Wednesday said it was a “very good afternoon” as he officially announced the deal between Israel and Hamas shortly after the temporary agreement to pause fighting in Gaza and the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners was reached, APA reports citing CNN.
“It’s a very good afternoon, because at long last I can announce a ceasefire and a hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas after more than 15 months of conflict that began with Hezbollah’s brutal massacre on October the 7th,” Biden said, misstating which group launched the October 7, 2023, attack.
He added, “More than 15 months of terror for the hostages, their families, the Israeli people. More than 15 months of suffering by the innocent people of Gaza. Fighting in Gaza will stop. And soon the hostages will return home to their families.”
Biden’s remarks at the White House, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, began while Qatar’s prime minister was confirming a deal had been reached.
