Biden Gives Reporters Great Reason For The Short Notice Ahead Of His Hostage Release Remarks

President Joe Biden spoke briefly after the dramatic return of the first American hostage released from Hamas captivity as part of the “pause” deal the U.S. helped to broker, and gave reporters a great reason for why they had to wait for confirmation he’d speak and were then given such short notice he was about to begin.

Avigail Idan turned 4-years-old while being held hostage in Gaza after her parents were murdered in front of her. She was among the 17 hostages released on Sunday as part of a deal that included a pause in military action by Israel and the release of some Palestinian prisoners.

The White House notified reporters Sunday that the president would be speaking about the hostage release from Nantucket, but after waiting for some time were given a short ten minutes notice ahead of his comments.

After speaking about the hostage release, the deal, and the situation in Gaza in general, and taking a few brief questions, Biden thanked reporters for their patience and explained the wait and relatively sudden go.

“Thank you all so very much. I know. You know, we have to call you. I know you say. ‘What’s he calling me with only ten minutes or so notice?'” said Biden. “That’s as much notice as I get. Because we didn’t know, I didn’t want to be having this press conference if they weren’t physically — even when they were in the Red Cross ambulance, I didn’t want to do it, because they were not out. They were, they were still in Gaza.”

“So, I don’t thank you enough, but thanks for your patience,” said Biden.

The gathered reporters also thanked the president for his time and everyone wished one another Happy Holidays.

Watch the clip above, via Fox News.