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In a significant diplomatic development, Israel and Hamas continued their exchange of hostages under a four-day truce, with hopes of an extension.
The fragile ceasefire between
Israel and Hamas remained intact on Sunday as militants released 17 additional
hostages, including 14 Israelis and the first American. The exchange, the third
under the four-day truce, saw a reciprocal move from Israel, releasing 39
Palestinian prisoners.
Amidst a jubilant atmosphere,
most hostages were directly handed over to Israel, with some departing through
Egypt. One hostage, 84-year-old Elma Avraham, was airlifted to a hospital due
to life-threatening conditions resulting from inadequate care during her
captivity.
Among those freed was Abigail
Edan, a 4-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen orphaned in a Hamas attack
that initiated the conflict on Oct. 7. President Biden expressed concern about
her ordeal, emphasizing the goal of extending the ceasefire.
The list of released hostages
included nine children aged 17 and younger, with three additional Thai
nationals. Simultaneously, Hamas released a Russian hostage, attributing the
move to the efforts of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This marked the first
release of a male hostage by the group.
The Palestinian prisoners freed
were predominantly children and young men aged 15-19, accused of various
charges related to public disorder and property damage. The exchange
underscores the complex dynamics, as Palestinians often view those imprisoned
by Israel as heroes resisting occupation.
A fourth exchange is
anticipated on Monday, the ceasefire's final day, with a planned release of 50
hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners, mainly comprising women and minors.
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