WASHINGTON- US President Joe Biden thanked on Friday President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for his efforts to solve crisis in the Gaza Strip.
In a speech to mark the beginning of a four-day truce in Israel’s war against Gaza, Biden hoped that the remaining US captives will be released soon, noting that reaching the truce took a lot of diplomatic work.
He said that more than 200 fuel trucks had entered Gaza through Egypt, pointing out that fuel is essential for hospitals and civilians.
“This morning I’ve been engaged with my team as we began the first difficult days of implementing this deal. It’s only a start, but so far it’s gone well,” Biden said in remarks Friday.
The released captives include 13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens and one Filipino citizen. A total of 50 could be freed over the four-day pause in fighting, while Palestinian prisoners are also due to be released in waves.
“As we look to the future, we have to end this cycle of violence in the Middle East. We need to renew our resolve to pursue this two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can one day live side by side in a two states with equal measures of freedom and dignity,” Biden said. (
