EXCERPT:
BLINKEN: "Well, first, Kristen, we've been working on this from day one, engaged with different partners in the region, sending clear messages about the need to immediately and unconditionally release all of the hostages. And it was gratifying to see that Judith and Natalie Raanan were released yesterday. I had a chance to speak to them as well. They were — they sounded strong of mind, strong of spirit. But there remain many others. And we're hopeful that more are released, but the bottom line is this: They need to be released. Each and every one of them, now, unconditionally."