Biden says there won’t be a ceasefire in Gaza until after hostages are released as he cuts his remarks early to head to the Situation Room

President Joe Biden said Monday tamped down calls for a cease fire in Gaza, telling Hamas to release the hostages its militants took captive from Israel – ‘then we’ll talk.’

He made the remark at the White House moments after reports that Hamas had released two hostages held inside Gazas after the Oct. 7 terror attack, bringing the total released to four.

He was asked about having hostages released for a cease fire.

‘We should have those hostages released, then we’ll talk,’ Biden responded. 

Israel is demanding the release of all of the estimated 200 hostages seized during the cross-border raid by Hamas fighters. It has called up reserves and massed forces on the border, while pounding targets inside Gaza.

Biden ended his remarks, at a an event meant to tout his ‘Bidenomics’ agenda, by apologizing and referencing a national security development.

‘I apologize, I have to go to the Situation Room for another issue I have to deal with,’ he said. 

His event began after schedule Monday following the first news reports of the release of an additional pair of hostages. 

Hamas released two American terrorists last week as the Biden administration negotiated to help secure the first convoy of humanitarian aid to Gaza.   

The president spoke as protesters have called for a cease fire, while some ‘squad’ members have accused both Hamas and the Israeli government of ‘war crimes.’

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said repeatedly Monday that the administration’s objective was to get Israel the tools it needs, while getting aid to Palestinian people inside Gaza and secure the release of hostages.

The latest figure for Americans still unaccounted for after October 7 is ten, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Kirby repeated that number Monday. He said the number of Americans believed to be held captive is still ‘about a handful.’