No Americans Freed

Fron News Nation:

“No Americans in second group of hostages released by Hamas”

No Americans were among the second group of hostages released by Hamas Saturday, but the White House remains “hopeful” they will be freed in the coming days. “We are early in the process that will see at least 50 women and children released during the first phase of the agreement,” a senior administration official told NewsNation. “We are hopeful that will include three dual-national women and children, who are American citizens. This will unfold in the coming days.” The temporary truce between Israel and Hamas for a four-day ceasefire was the result of weeks of negotiations, brokered by Qatar and Egypt with the help of the U.S.

Hamas is expected to release a total of 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, under the agreement. On Friday, Hamas freed 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens and one Filipino citizen, according to a spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hamas released a second group of hostages — 13 Israeli citizens and four foreign nationals — on Saturday night after an hours-long delay. Hamas delayed the release after accusing Israel of not adhering to the agreed terms of the deal regarding the delivery of humanitarian relief to the besieged Gaza Strip and Palestinian prisoners.   Qatar later announced the “obstacles were overcome” through mediation and the hostage release would resume.

President Joe Biden said this week that it is his “hope and expectation” that this deal would result in American hostages returning home. However, when asked if he trusts Hamas to uphold its end of the deal, Biden said, “I don’t trust Hamas to do anything right. I only trust Hamas to respond to pressure.” Dan O’Shea, retired Navy SEAL Commander who served as the Coordinator for the Hostage Working Group at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, told NewsNation Hamas is withholding American hostages to maintain leverage over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “The reason they grabbed U.S. citizens is that they knew Americans are their most valuable bargaining chip to force Netanyahu to stop the IDF offensive to wipe out Hamas,” O’Shea said. “And that’s why they are going to hold onto them.” “Once Hamas gives up all of their hostages, there is nothing to stop the IDF from their campaign promise to destroy them,” O’Shea added.

^ No American Citizens held hostage by Hamas since October 7, 2023 (50 days and counting) were released yesterday or today.

Hamas is financed and supported by Iran and I only hope we do see a repeat of history.

In 1979 the Iranians took over the US Embassy in Tehran and held 52 American Citizens hostage for 444 days.

Iran only released the hostages the minute after Ronald Reagan became President on January 20, 1981 – so as not to give any credit to President Jimmy Carter.

Back in 1979-1981 the Hostages were American Diplomats and Others – but were all Adults.

On October 7, 2023 Hamas took 250 Men, Women and Children hostage. They released 5 many weeks later, 24 yesterday and 17 today – Israelis, Thai and 1 Filipino – but no Americans.

Today many of Hamas’ Hostages are Children (including American Avigail Idan who turned 4 years old in captivity yesterday.)

204 Men, Women and Children are still being held by Hamas.

I don't want to have to wait until January 2025 for any Americans to be released.

I wish the Pro-Hamas Demonstrators would protest for the release of Innocent Men, Women and Children taken from their Homes rather than a Terrorist Group that would kill the majority of the Demonstrators (for not being Muslim, for being Gay, for being a Woman who isn't covered and speaks her mind, etc.) ^

https://www.newsnationnow.com/world/war-in-israel/americans-hostages-hamas/