Biden: Hostages “Deserve to Be Reunited with Their Families.”

Updated 23:24pm January 13, 2025

In a critical push to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is preparing to approve a significant deal as early as tomorrow. The Ministry of Justice has finalized the list of terrorists to be released, while U.S. President Joe Biden has emphasized the urgency of reuniting hostages with their families, stating, “We are on the verge of reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. I spoke with Netanyahu and with the Emir of Qatar. I will also speak with President Sisi. We are pushing hard to make this happen. The hostages are going through hell. They deserve to be reunited with their families. The residents of Gaza are suffering. They deserve peace.”

Qatari mediators await the final decision from Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar on a proposed framework, which Hamas’ overseas leadership has conditionally approved. Despite optimism, Israeli officials remain cautious, recalling previous instances where Hamas rescinded agreements at the last moment.

Reports also indicate a tripartite meeting between Israel, the U.S., and Egypt regarding Israel’s withdrawal from certain areas of Gaza as part of the deal.

 

Key Developments in the Negotiations

Earlier today, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani held a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the progress of ceasefire negotiations and the potential for easing humanitarian aid transfers to Gaza. Meanwhile, Egyptian sources reported a tripartite meeting between Israel, the US, and Egypt to discuss arrangements for Israel’s withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, with further talks scheduled in Cairo tomorrow to finalize the remaining details of the deal.

Proposed Stages of the Agreement:

1. First Phase: On the seventh day of the ceasefire, 33 hostages will be released—alive and deceased—including women, the elderly, and the ill, including 11 Israeli men under 50 in severe health conditions, such as Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held captive for years. In exchange, the IDF will withdraw from most areas it controls in Gaza, and Israel will release Palestinian prisoners on a proportional basis: 50 prisoners, including 30 serving life sentences, for each female soldier, and 30 prisoners from various categories, including minors, the ill, and women, for each Israeli woman or elderly hostage.
2. Second Phase: Discussions on a comprehensive deal for remaining hostages, including young men and soldiers, beginning on the 16th day of the agreement.
3. Third Phase: Long-term arrangements to establish alternative governance for Gaza and plans for reconstruction.

Netanyahu to Convene Consultation with Security Leaders
Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to hold a consultation this evening with senior security officials. Concurrently, government ministries have been directed to prepare for the reception of hostages anticipated to be released as part of a developing agreement. Political sources indicate that, pending approval, the hostages could arrive in Israel within the coming days.

Call to the Prime Minister to Avoid Dangerous Concessions

While there is a biblical imperative to return hostages, as expressed in Proverbs 24:11 – “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter,” there is also a crucial need to uphold and protect Israel’s security principles. Balancing compassion for the captives with the responsibility to safeguard the nation’s long-term security remains a paramount concern.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Netanyahu received a letter from ten coalition Knesset members, including representatives from Likud, Otzma Yehudit, and Religious Zionism, raising concerns over reports about the terms of the emerging agreement with Hamas. The letter strongly emphasized the need to maintain Israel’s unwavering security principles, particularly the full return of all hostages and the fulfillment of the war’s objectives.

In partnership with the Heroism Forum and the Hope Forum, these Knesset members urged the Prime Minister to stand firm against dangerous concessions. They declared: “Under no circumstances can three moral red lines be crossed in any negotiations with the murderous terrorist organization Hamas: IDF soldiers must remain irreplaceable, every hostage must be returned, and the enemy must not be allowed to reestablish a foothold in northern Gaza.”