Biden announces Israel-Hamas cease-fire and imminent release of 2 American hostages

January 19, 2025 TruthUSA

The remarks made by Biden on the war in South Carolina are among his final public statements as president.

In the remaining hours of his term, President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that the fighting in Gaza had ceased under a ceasefire agreement between the Israeli military and Hamas. He also mentioned that two American citizens will be released soon.

Biden made these comments in response to the ceasefire deal coming into effect on Sunday, while he was in Charleston, South Carolina, spending his last day in office.

Speaking to reporters, Biden confirmed that the guns in Gaza had fallen silent due to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He also mentioned the release of three Israeli women who had been held by Hamas for 470 days. According to Biden, these three hostages appeared to be in good health. He further stated that at least two Americans would be released in the initial phase, followed by the expected release of captive Israeli soldiers by Hamas, marking a permanent end to the war.

Emphasizing the need for persistence and continued support for regional allies through diplomacy backed by deterrence, Biden described the negotiations for the ceasefire deal as one of the toughest he had been a part of. He cautioned against actions that could escalate into a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, the President visited Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, South Carolina, to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Monday marks the federal holiday in memory of the civil rights leader.

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), a close ally of Biden, described the trip as a gesture of appreciation from Biden to the state.

Biden had given a televised farewell speech to the nation on Wednesday, and his last day in office will be on Monday, Jan. 20, as President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated in Washington. The oath of office ceremony is scheduled with Trump at midday, administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

Before assuming office, Trump had advocated for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He expressed his hopes for the ceasefire agreement to hold and the war to come to an end.

In an interview, Trump urged respect for the United States and stressed the importance of being respected in order for the ceasefire to be effective.

Earlier, Trump had issued warnings about potential consequences if the ceasefire agreement collapsed and hostages were not released by the time he assumed office.

Hamas perpetrated an attack in Israel in 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages being taken. Israel had made it clear that the conflict would only end with the release of all hostages by Hamas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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