Biden meets 4-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, the youngest American hostage released by Hamas

Washington — President Biden on Wednesday met 4-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, an American woman who was taken hostage by Hamas after each her dad and mom have been killed within the group’s Oct. 7 assault. 

The president met with Abigail on the White Home, nationwide safety adviser Jake Sullivan mentioned. Her dad and mom have been killed by militants when she was kidnapped. Her mom was shot in entrance of her and her father was gunned down utilizing his physique to defend her. 

A twin U.S.-Israeli citizen, Abigail turned 4 in captivity. She was held by the Gaza-based militant group for 50 days and was the youngest American hostage to be launched.

Sullivan mentioned assembly Abigail was a “reminder in attending to see her that there are nonetheless Individuals and others being held hostage.”

After the woman’s release in November, her aunt informed CBS Information the household was overjoyed to have her again, and was surrounding her “with love and care.” Abigail’s siblings, who have been 6 and 10 years outdated on the time of the assault, survived by locking themselves in a closet, in accordance with her household. 

The president has known as what Abigail endured “unthinkable.” 

“Thank God she’s house,” Mr. Biden informed reporters after the little woman was launched. “I want I have been there to carry her.”

Hamas — lengthy designated a terrorist group by the U.S. and Israel — released a video Wednesday that appeared to indicate Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American hostage, delivering a protracted assertion clearly crafted by the group.

There are 5 unaccounted American hostages who’re presumed to be residing, in accordance with a U.S. official. All 5 are male.

Margaret Brennan contributed to this report.