Family members of American hostages held by Hamas speak to the press outside the White House in Washington, DC, on December 13, 2023, after a meeting with US President Joe Biden. Biden met Wednesday with about a dozen family members of American hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza -- his first in-person meeting with the relatives. The gathering took place at the White House, officials said, adding that Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also present. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)