Current:Home > InvestNovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:Biden speaks with families of Americans missing in Israel, possibly among hostages held by Hamas -Momentum Wealth Path
NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:Biden speaks with families of Americans missing in Israel, possibly among hostages held by Hamas
SafeX Pro View
Date:2025-04-10 00:57:17
President Biden on NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank CenterFriday spoke for over an hour with families of 14 Americans who are missing following Hamas' attack on Israel. At an event in Philadelphia, he spoke about his conversation with them.
"They're going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children, are," he said. "You know, it's gut-wrenching."
"I assured them of my personal commitment to do everything possible to return every missing American to their families," he continued. "We're working around the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and our partners around the region. We're not going to stop until we bring them home."
The president was joined on the phone call with the families by special envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Undersecretary of State John Bass, and National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East Brett McGurk, the White House said.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the president told the families they've been in his prayers, and expressed the United States' commitment to doing everything possible to bring their loved ones home.
"We're working round the clock to secure the release of Americans held by Hamas, in close cooperation with Israel and our partners around the region," the president said Friday afternoon during an unrelated speech in Philadelphia. "We're not going to stop until we bring them home."
White House and State Department officials tried to answer questions from families on the call.
The U.S. believes Americans are among the scores of hostages being held by Hamas, which the U.S. has designated as a terrorist group. Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7 that has killed at least 1,300 people. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on the Gaza Strip that have killed at least 1,900 people and wounded over 7,600, according to health officials.
President Biden spoke with CBS News' Scott Pelley, in an interview for 60 Minutes, before his meeting with the families.
"I think they have to know that the president of the United States of America cares deeply about what's happened to them — deeply," Mr. Biden said. "We have to communicate to the world this is critical. This is not even human behavior. It's pure barbarism. And we're going to do everything in our power to get them home if we can find them."
According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, at least 27 Americans have been killed in the latest violence.
- In:
- Hamas
- Israel
- Joe Biden
Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C.
veryGood! (6)
Related
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Azerbaijan launches military operation targeting Armenian positions; 2 civilians reportedly killed, including child
- Simone Biles returning to site of first world championships 10 years later
- Sophie Turner Says She Found Out Joe Jonas Filed for Divorce From Media
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Abortions resume in Wisconsin after 15 months of legal uncertainty
- Baby, one more time! Britney Spears' 'Crossroads' movie returns to theaters in October
- Who are Rupert Murdoch’s children? What to know about the media magnate’s successor and family
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Police suggested charging a child for her explicit photos. Experts say the practice is common
Ranking
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Peso Pluma cancels Tijuana show following threats from Mexican cartel, cites security concerns
- UK prosecutors have charged 5 Bulgarians with spying for Russia. They are due in court next week
- Lizzo and others sued by another employee alleging harassment, illegal termination
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- 2 Black TikTok workers claim discrimination: Both were fired after complaining to HR
- Why a 96-year-old judge was just banned from the bench for a year
- Florida agriculture losses between $78M and $371M from Hurricane Idalia, preliminary estimate says
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Rupert Murdoch stepping down as chairman of News Corp. and Fox
'Persistent overcrowding': Fulton County Jail issues spark debate, search for answers
Azerbaijan launches military operation targeting Armenian positions; 2 civilians reportedly killed, including child
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
'The Continental from the World of John Wick' review: 1970s prequel is a killer misfire
Matt Walsh Taking Pause From Dancing With the Stars Season 32 Over Hollywood Strikes
Indonesia imprisons a woman for saying a Muslim prayer before eating pork in a TikTok video