Biden, Harris take credit for release of US-Israeli hostage by Hamas in the ceasefire deal

Former US President Joe Biden and ex-Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the return of US-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel from Hamas captivity, taking credit for his release. The 65-year-old was among two other hostages named Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon, who were released by Hamas on Saturday after 484 days of captivity. These hostages were released as a part of the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.

It is pertinent to note that Siegel was the only one among the three released hostages who held dual American-Israeli citizenship. In his post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday, Biden began by saying that he is joining "Americans, Israelis, and people around the world in welcoming home Keith Siegel." He went on to take the credit for the release when he said that it was "part of the ceasefire deal my team and I negotiated."

More from World

"I look forward to the remaining hostages, including additional Americans, being reunited with their families soon," the post continued. "I could only imagine the relief and joy that Keith’s family must be feeling today," he added.

Harris maintains a similar tone

In his post, Biden claimed that he and his team were working closely with Siegel's family, to ensure his release. "For more than a year, my team and I met with his family, including his wife Aviva, who was once a hostage herself. I was continuously inspired by their strength and resilience as they did everything in their power to ensure he was not forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with them and with all the families of the hostages today, all of whom have suffered so much," the president concluded.

Meanwhile, Harris, who fought against Trump in the 2024 US Presidential elections, also kept a similar tone on the matter. In her post on X, she welcomed Siegel's return and said that she and her husband were "full of joy and relief to see American Keith Siegel reunited with his family."

"We join all those around the world who are celebrating his release and the release of other hostages in recent days and weeks," she averred. "We continue to pray for the Americans and all of the remaining hostages held in captivity in Gaza by Hamas. We stand with them and their families. All the hostages must be brought home," her post concluded.

In the past, both the current Trump administration and the erstwhile Biden administration have taken credit for the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza.