In what has been described a significant development, fourteen Israeli hostages, including four-year-old Abigail Idan, have been released by Hamas, alongside three foreign nationals.
Abigail Idan, a dual Israeli and US citizen, is among those freed in a move that involved Israel releasing 39 Palestinian prisoners, as confirmed by the Israeli prison service.
Hamas have stated that their actions are aimed at extending the current four-day truce with Israel and are pushing for an increase in the number of hostages released.
The recent attacks on October 7th resulted in 1,200 casualties, with approximately 240 individuals taken hostage. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 14,500 people have lost their lives in Israel’s retaliatory campaign.
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The pause in hostilities has allowed Gazans to obtain much-needed supplies of fuel, food, and medicine. This period of respite has offered a temporary relief amidst the ongoing conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his sentiments, stating that the return of hostages from Gaza “stirs the soul.” He reiterated his commitment to securing the release of those who are still being held.
“We brought back another group of hostages this evening – women and children – and we are moved from the depths of our hearts, the entire nation, when we see this reuniting of families,” he said in a statement.
He added that he and President Biden discussed the release of four-year-old Israeli-American Avigail Idan, both of whose parents were killed in the 7 October attacks, in a phone call earlier today.
“What a joy it is to see her with us,” he said.
“But, on the other hand, how sad it is that she is returning to a reality in which she has no parents. She has no parents – but she has an entire nation that embraces her and we will take care of all her needs.”
