Vice President Kamala Harris met with the families of the hostages who are believed to be held by Hamas in a meeting held in Washington. This meeting served as an update for the families following the participation of CIA Director William Burns in hostage talks in Cairo over the weekend.
Five Americans are still missing and it is believed that Hamas has taken them hostage during the attacks. Israel confirmed last month that Itay Chen, a 19-year-old Israeli soldier with dual Israeli-U.S. nationality, was killed. National security adviser Jake Sullivan informed reporters that during Burns’ visit to Cairo, there was an extensive discussion involving the United States, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt. Qatar and Egypt were in communication with Hamas throughout the night.
According to Sullivan, Hamas’s public statements have been less than encouraging. However, the parties involved are currently awaiting a response from Hamas regarding a proposal related to the hostage situation.
The administration has expressed its determination to secure the freedom of all hostages and achieve an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This commitment comes six months after the militant group’s assault on southern Israel on October 7th.
Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, expressed his support for a potential deal during a press conference following the meeting with Harris. He emphasized the importance of encouraging all parties involved to reach a resolution.
Dekel-Chen mentioned that there is a mutually agreed deal on the table, but they are currently awaiting a response from Hamas.
Rachel Goldberg-Polin described her meeting with Harris as “productive” and expressed the family’s desire for tangible results. Her son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is currently in captivity under Hamas, was the focal point of their discussion.
During her appearance on “Face the Nation,” Goldberg-Polin expressed her disappointment and frustration at the lack of progress made by global leaders and governments in the negotiations for her son’s release. She described the situation as a “failure” on their part, highlighting the fact that her son and more than 130 individuals have been held captive for a period of six months.
During the meeting, Vice President Harris emphasized the utmost importance that President Biden and she place on reuniting the hostages with their loved ones. She also reaffirmed the strong commitment of the United States to bring home the remains of those who have tragically been confirmed as deceased. Additionally, Harris provided the hostages’ families with an update on the ongoing efforts of the United States to secure the release of all hostages and to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
In late October, the vice president had the opportunity to meet with the families of the hostages. Sullivan had a meeting with the families on Monday.
Israeli officials have reported that approximately 240 individuals were taken hostage during the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. However, to date, less than half of those abducted have been released. In an effort to secure the freedom of the remaining hostages, negotiations resumed in Cairo over the weekend.
In October, the U.S. and Qatari-led hostage diplomacy took off with the release of two dual U.S.-Israeli hostages – a Chicago teenager and her mother. This was followed by a significant breakthrough in November, during a weeklong pause in fighting, where over 100 hostages were freed. Among them were two U.S. citizens, with one being as young as four years old. Regrettably, in late December, Israel confirmed the passing of Judi Weinstein Haggai, the final American woman believed to have been held captive.
