President Biden said he will meet virtually with the families of Americans held hostage in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.
In a clip from his upcoming “60 Minutes” interview released Friday, Mr. Biden said it’s crucial for the families to hear from him during this time.
“I think they have to know that the president of the United States of America cares deeply about what’s happening, deeply,” Mr. Biden said in the clip. “We have to communicate to the world this is critical. This is not even human behavior.”
He added, “It’s pure barbarism. And we’re going to do everything in our power to get them home if we can find them.”
The full interview is scheduled to air Sunday night on CBS.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Thursday said the administration hasn’t determined how many Americans are being held by Hamas but maintains the number is less than a handful.
He said 14 Americans remain unaccounted for, but declined to say if the U.S. believes any of them are captives.
U.S. officials are working with Israel, Qatar and other allies in the Middle East to secure the release of hostages, according to Mr. Kirby.
Speaking about the captives Wednesday, Mr. Biden insisted his administration is doing “a lot” to bring them home.
“I have not given up hope on bringing these folks home. But the idea that I’m going to stand here before you and tell you what I’m doing is bizarre,” he said.
