On Sunday, seventeen hostages were released by Hamas, and among those freed was a 4-year-old American girl, according to Israeli officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a list of those freed by Hamas, and among them was Abigail Edan, a 4-year-old girl being held by the terrorist organization, NBC News reported.
On Saturday, Hamas also released 13 Israelis and four Thai citizens after an hours-long delay in the hostage release.
According to Israeli officials, 26 Israelis have been freed of the 50 expected to be released from Gaza. Additionally, 39 Palestinian prisoners were released during the cease-fire, CNN reported.
Some of the hostages made their way from Gaza to various Israeli entry points, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Others were released into Egypt, where they will then return to Israel.
President Joe Biden praised the release of Abigail on the third day of the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.
“Nothing is being taken for granted, but the proof that this is working and worth pursuing further is in every smile and every grateful tear we see on the faces of those families who are finally getting back together again,” Biden said from Nantucket, Massachusetts. “The proof is little Abigail.”
The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum also shared that Abigail had been released, calling her a war symbol, noting that “all of Israel and the world welcome her safe return.”
Others released by Hamas included a hostage with Russian citizenship. The terrorist group said it was releasing the hostage “in appreciation of the Russian position in support of the Palestinian cause.”
Putin commented on the situation earlier this month, saying anyone who wasn’t upset about the fighting in Gaza had a “heart of stone.”
“Against the background of the horrors taking place there (in Gaza), it is easy to do so because ... when you look at the suffering and bloodied children, you clench your fists and tears come to your eyes,” Putin said.