**Title: President Biden Meets Families of Americans Held Captive by Hamas in Israel**
**Introduction**
President Joe Biden recently held his first in-person meeting with the families of eight Americans who are still unaccounted for and presumed taken captive by Hamas during its deadly attack on Israel on October 7. The meeting, attended by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer, aimed to provide an update on American efforts to secure the release of the hostages. This article discusses the meeting and the ongoing efforts to bring the captured Americans back home.
**Meeting with Families of Hostages**
President Biden’s meeting with the families of the hostages marked his commitment to ensuring their loved ones’ safe return. Thirteen family members attended the meeting in person, while three others joined remotely. The president assured them that the United States will not lose sight of their loved ones and will continue its efforts to bring them home.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized that U.S. officials are actively working to gather more information about the hostages and negotiate a deal for their release. The meeting served as an opportunity for President Biden to personally convey this message to the families and provide them with updates on the progress being made.
**International Efforts**
In parallel to President Biden’s meeting, his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, was scheduled to travel to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of his war cabinet, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. This visit highlights the importance of international cooperation in resolving the hostage situation.
The attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and the capture of over 240 people. The White House has confirmed that at least 31 Americans were killed during the attack. As part of a U.S.-negotiated cease-fire in Israel’s war against Hamas, four Americans were released with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt. However, one American woman, who was supposed to be released under the terms of the cease-fire, remains unaccounted for.
**Conclusion**
President Biden’s meeting with the families of the Americans held captive by Hamas demonstrates his administration’s commitment to their safe return. The United States continues to work diligently to gather information and negotiate for the release of the hostages. The visit of national security adviser Jake Sullivan to Israel further underscores the international efforts being made to address this critical situation.
As the families anxiously await news about their loved ones, President Biden’s assurance that their plight will not be forgotten provides hope and reassurance. The ongoing collaboration between the United States and its international partners aims to secure the release of all Americans held captive and bring them back home safely.
*Note: This article is based on information from The Associated Press. Any additional content has been removed to comply with copyright regulations.*
