Biden supports prolonging the Gaza ceasefire following the release of additional hostages by Hamas.
Hamas has released a third batch of hostages, including a four-year-old American girl, on Sunday. This exchange, part of a four-day truce initiated on Friday, involved the release of Palestinian prisoners. According to a Hamas source, they are open to extending the truce.
This marks the first relief for the families of captives since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in significant Israeli bombardments of the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials report that 17 hostages, including a woman in her 80s, have returned to Israeli territory. The elderly woman has been hospitalized, with her life considered to be in danger.
In a recent development, President Joe Biden announced the release of 17 hostages, including a four-year-old American girl named Abigail, whose parents were killed by Hamas during unprecedented attacks. The hostages, freed outside the truce terms, include three Thai nationals. Russian-Israeli Ron Krivoy was released by Hamas in response to the efforts of Russian President Vladimir Putin in support of the Palestinian cause.
These releases are part of the aftermath of the October 7 attack when Hamas fighters breached Gaza’s border with Israel, resulting in about 1,200 Israeli and foreign casualties. In response, Israel launched a campaign that claimed nearly 15,000 lives, mostly civilians.
The total number of Israelis freed under the deal is now 39, with an equal number of Palestinian prisoners released. The truce, mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, is under pressure to be extended. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while visiting Gaza, vowed to continue until victory, expressing determination to achieve all war goals.
Despite the pause in fighting allowing aid to reach Palestinians, there are concerns about “unprecedented” humanitarian needs, with 1.7 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million people displaced. The situation remains complex, with ongoing negotiations and challenges on both sides.
