Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley made a series of statements following the release of two American Hostages by Hamas. She expressed her belief that Hamas’s decision to release the hostages was an attempt to “earn favor” with the United States. Speaking on Fox News, Haley said, “First I’ll say, two prayers have been answered and we’ve got 200 more to go.” She then directed a message to the Biden administration, cautioning them with the words, “The second thing I’ll say to the Biden administration is don’t fall for it.”
The hostages were identified as Judith Raanan and her 18-year-old daughter, Natalie Raanan. Uri Raanan, the father of freed American teen, expressed relief and joy after speaking to his recently freed daughter, Natalie Raanan, over the phone. Uri, who resides in the Chicago suburbs, was emotional during the call. “She’s doing good. She’s doing very good. I’m in tears, and I feel very, very good.”
Haley, who previously served as the US ambassador to the United Nations, elaborated on her perspective, saying, “This is what they do. They’re trying to earn favor with the United States.” She suggested that Hamas’s motivations might be driven by their fear of a potential ground attack from Israel and concerns from Iran that Hamas could be defeated in the conflict.
Haley further explained her viewpoint, saying, “And so what they’re doing is they’re going to throw two hostages out there for one, to see if they can weaken us to keep Israel from going into Gaza and two, because they want to see if they can get something out of it.” Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Haley advised President Biden, saying, “This is a time to be smart.” She continued with a stern warning: “Don’t let this weaken us. We’ve got 200 more hostages in there and don’t forget what happened on October 7.”
In the broader context of the conflict, approximately 1,400 Israelis have been reported killed in the initial two weeks, following Hamas’s attack on Israel earlier in the month. In response, strikes have resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,800 Palestinians, as per the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
She attributed the current state of affairs to Biden’s perceived weaknesses, pointing out his actions in Afghanistan, his delayed response in Ukraine, and his absence concerning the border issue.
On social media platform X, Haley, who previously served as the governor of South Carolina, said, “Our current predicament could have been avoided if Joe Biden hadn’t shown vulnerability in Afghanistan, hesitated in Ukraine, appeased Iran, and neglected the border issue.”
She further commented, “The world is in chaos, and it’s time for America to step up with decisive leadership.”
(With inputs from agencies)