Hamas released a third batch of hostages, including a four-year-old American girl, on Sunday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the ongoing four-day truce. The truce, mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, began on Friday and marked the first relief for the families of captives since the initial Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. In total, 17 hostages, including a Russian-Israeli citizen, Ron Krivoy, were returned to Israeli territory, with one elderly woman hospitalized due to her life-threatening condition. US President Joe Biden confirmed the release of the four-year-old American girl, Abigail, whose parents were killed by Hamas during the attacks.
The total number of Israelis freed under the deal reached 39 by Sunday, while 39 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange. The hostages were part of around 240 people captured in the October 7 attack, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The truce stipulates the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas over four days in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, with a built-in mechanism to extend the truce if at least 10 Israeli captives are released each day.
International pressure, including calls from French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, urged an extension of the truce until all hostages, including French nationals, are freed. President Biden also expressed hope for a prolonged truce to allow more hostages to be released and humanitarian relief to reach Gaza. Despite these calls, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the intention to continue the offensive until victory and the elimination of Hamas. The pause in fighting has allowed aid to reach Palestinians facing humanitarian crises, but the UN warns of “unprecedented” needs, with 1.7 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million people displaced by the conflict.
