President Biden on Friday said the U.S. will do everything possible to bring home the 14 Americans missing after the Hamas terror attack on Israel.
Speaking in Philadelphia at an event to promote hydrogen energy, Mr. Biden began his remarks by briefly discussing his efforts to locate and return the missing Americans.
“They’re going through agony not knowing what the status of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, children are. You know, it’s gut-wrenching.” Mr. Biden said of family members of the missing American, whom he spoke with earlier Friday.
“I assured them of my personal commitment to do everything possible to return every missing American to their families. We are working around the clock to secure their release.”
The president also expressed unwavering support for Israel, condemning the attack by Hamas.
“These guys make al Qaeda look pure,” Mr. Biden said. “They’re pure evil. As I said at the beginning — make no mistake about it — the United States stands with Israel.”
He also cautioned that many of the civilians living in Gaza had nothing to do with the Hamas attacks on Israel and his administration is working to head off a burgeoning humanitarian crisis in the region.
Earlier, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby offered a few details about Mr. Biden’s 15-minute call with the missing Americans’ family members.
“The president conveyed directly to these families that they have been in his prayers and reaffirmed for them that the United States government is doing everything possible to locate and bring home their loved ones,” Mr. Kirby said.
Several family members shared personal stories with the president, he continued.
White House and State Department officials participated in the call, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Roger Carstens, special envoy for hostage affairs, and Brett McGurk, National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East.
The fate of the 14 Americans remains unknown, but U.S. officials said Hamas took some of them hostage.
U.S. officials are working with Israel, Qatar and other allies in the Middle East to secure their release, according to Mr. Kirby.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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