Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, one of the Roman Catholic Church’s top officials in the Holy Land, says he would absolutely offer himself as a hostage to Hamas in exchange for the release of children.
Pizzaballa offered the response to a reporter’s question during an online meeting with Vatican-based journalists.
“If I’m available for an exchange?” Pizzaballa responded. “Anything, if this could bring about the freedom of children, no problem. My absolute willingness.”
From Fox News:
More than 3,600 people – including 30 Americans – have been killed since Hamas launched its attack against Israel on Oct. 7, leading to military action from Israeli forces. Hamas is also believed to be holding at least 199 people, including children, hostage in Gaza.
With U.S. officials saying 13 Americans remain unaccounted for, President Biden spoke Sunday on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” vowing that the U.S. is “gonna do everything in our power to find those who are still alive and set them free.”
“Everything in our power,” Biden said. “And – I’m not gonna go into the detail of that, but there’s – we’re workin’ like hell on it.”
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Sunday the U.S. is “actively trying” to locate hostages taken in Gaza and “won’t rule anything in or out” regarding the American effort.
More over at Fox News:
Catholic cardinal in Jerusalem offers himself to Hamas in exchange for children held hostage in Gaza https://t.co/XdMmJQV9n4
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 16, 2023
