During a recent appearance on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” President Biden expressed the administration’s relentless efforts to locate the 13 American citizens unreported for amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Biden assured viewers that the U.S. government is fully committed to doing whatever it takes to rescue any survivors. He emphasized his unwillingness to divulge specific tactics but affirmed the intense focus on this mission.
Furthermore, Biden communicated a heartfelt message to the relatives of the missing individuals, emphasizing that their predicament is of significant concern at the highest levels of American leadership. He underscored the necessity of conveying to the international community the severity of the situation, denouncing the circumstances as sheer savagery and affirming his commitment to bringing the Americans home.
The conflict, initiated by a Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, has tragically claimed the lives of over 3,600 individuals, including 30 Americans, prompting retaliatory measures from the Israeli military.
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, discussed the ongoing U.S. endeavors to track down the abducted individuals in Gaza during a “Fox News Sunday” interview with Shannon Bream. He highlighted the complexities involved, including uncertainties over the exact number and potential dispersion of the hostages, and emphasized a cautious approach to public communications regarding the rescue efforts.
Kirby also clarified that there are currently no strategies to deploy U.S. forces in the area, though he noted the issue is a priority for Secretary Blinken, who is in the region. He stressed the urgency of the situation, with efforts underway around the clock, but also the necessity of discretion given the incomplete information they’re working with to secure the Americans’ safe return.
