The United States has reiterated its call for Hamas to release all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, vowing to not rest until the hostages are reunited with their families.
While addressing a press briefing on Tuesday (local time), US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “Hamas should release every one of these hostages immediately, and the United States will not rest until they are returned to their families.”
Marking the one-year anniversary of the deadly attack, Miller condemned Hamas’ actions. “Today marks the tragic anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, where 1,200 men, women, and children, including 46 Americans and citizens of more than 30 countries, were slaughtered by Hamas,” he said.
Miller further highlighted the ongoing hostage crisis. “Hamas took 254 people hostage, including 12 Americans, on October 7, 2023. An estimated 101 hostages, including 7 Americans, remain in Gaza.”
He outlined that Hamas’ attack has led to ongoing conflict. “Hamas’ attacks on October 7 launched a war that continues today with tragic consequences for the Palestinian people,” he said.
“As Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in his statement, the United States mourns the death of every innocent who died on October 7, and we are determined to continue working toward a ceasefire agreement that brings the hostages home, alleviates the suffering of both the Israeli and Palestinian people, and ultimately brings an end to this war,” Miller added.
Israel expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for calling to offer his condolences on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.
“I thank US President @JoeBiden, a true friend of the State of Israel, for calling me to extend his condolences to the people of Israel on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on X (formerly known as Twitter).
On October 7 last year, hundreds of Hamas terrorists breached Israeli borders, killing over 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, of which 100 remain in captivity.
In response, Israel launched a massive counteroffensive in Gaza, targeting Hamas units. However, the mounting civilian death toll, especially among women and children, has raised humanitarian concerns regarding the escalating conflict.