U.S. citizens abducted to Gaza could be released as early as Saturday, a U.S. official involved in the matter told Bloomberg.
However, while Israel and Egypt have said they could exit through Rafah, it is unclear whether Hamas will agree. It is unclear whether other foreigners will also be able to be released.
Yesterday, Biden spoke with the families of the abductees, who hold dual American-Israeli citizenship. The conversation was led by Special Hostage Affairs Commissioner Roger Carstens. White House spokesman for strategic affairs John Kirby said relatives "provided information about their loved ones and shared their feelings during these agonizing days."
Egypt reportedly erected concrete walls at the Rafah crossing, Photo: Arab Networks
The president himself recounted the conversation in a speech in Philadelphia, saying: "They are going through the torture of not knowing what is happening to their sons, daughters, husbands and wives. It's a visceral makeover. I promised them faithfully that I was committed to doing everything possible, everything possible to secure their release."
Shari Cohen, whose sister and niece were kidnapped, told CNN's Wolf Blitzer: "He promised us that the United States would do everything in its power to bring them home and get a sign of life from them. We are confident that we are in good hands."
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