President Biden on a ceasefire deal: 'We should have those hostages released, and then we can talk'

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his Bidenomics agenda in Washington, DC, on October 23, 2023. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

President Biden said that the U.S. "can talk" about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas once hostages are released from Gaza, as the war between Israel and Hamas terrorists goes on.

After Biden walked away from the podium following a Monday press conference, a reporter shouted "Is the U.S. supporting a hostages for a ceasefire deal?"

"We should have a ceasefire...not a ceasefire - we should have those hostages released and then we can talk," Biden replied.

At least 200 people were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists and forcibly brought into Gaza since October 7. Biden, along with European leaders like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron, has called for the urgent release of all hostages.

"The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians," a joint statement from the leaders read. The statement, which was released on Sunday, also requested the "immediate release of all remaining hostages."