Twelve additional hostages, previously held in Gaza, were released on Tuesday following the extension of a humanitarian cease-fire between Israel and Hamas for an extra 48 hours.
The Red Cross, along with the Israel Defense Forces, confirmed the release and conveyed the hostages to Egypt.
In reciprocity, Israel released 30 Palestinians from its prisons, comprising 15 minors and 15 women, as stated by Dr. Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
None of the hostages released on Tuesday were American. The group included 10 Israelis, one Filipino, two Argentinians, and two Thai citizens. Among them, one Israeli is a minor, and nine are women.
This development followed the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and over 100 Palestinian prisoners earlier, including 4-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, the youngest American held captive by Hamas.
The extension of the cease-fire was confirmed by National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Monday, part of a truce negotiated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.
The deal centered on Hamas releasing at least 50 women and children captured in Israel on Oct. 7, and Israel releasing at least 150 Palestinian women and children held in its prisons. Israel also committed to upholding a cease-fire agreement in Gaza.
Israeli officials emphasized that military pressure on Hamas would resume if the group ceased releasing hostages.
Since Friday, Hamas has released women and children, expressing interest in negotiating another deal to extend the cease-fire further and include the release of male hostages and abducted Israeli soldiers.
CIA Director William Burns was reported to be in Doha on Tuesday for discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, including the hostage situation.
Israel asserts around 170 people remain captive in Gaza, while Hamas suggests some are held by other groups.
The Biden administration commits to securing additional cease-fire extensions until all hostages are released.
