Washington — Abigail Mor Edan, the youngest American held hostage by Hamas, was among the many hostages launched by Hamas on Sunday, President Biden confirmed on Sunday.
“She’s free and he or she’s in Israel now,” President Biden mentioned Sunday, including that she’s “been via a horrible trauma.”
Mr. Biden mentioned Abigail’s mom was killed in entrance of her. The young lady ran to her father, who was gunned down whereas utilizing his physique to protect her, earlier than operating to neighbors for assist, Mr. Biden mentioned.
“What she endured is unthinkable,” he mentioned.
In an announcement, the young lady’s household mentioned “there are not any phrases to precise our aid and gratitude that Abigail is secure and coming home.”
Seventeen hostages had been launched — 14 Israeli residents, which incorporates Abigail, who’s a joint Israeli-American citizen, and three international nationals, Israeli officers mentioned.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry mentioned 39 Palestinians may also be launched as a part of this hostage swap.
Three feminine American hostages — together with Abigail — had been anticipated to be launched within the four-day-long truce. It is just not clear whether or not it is going to be prolonged.
“The settlement has a provision that if Hamas are — will be capable of show, to find, and safe among the hostages which can be throughout the standards of the primary group, which is ladies and youngsters, then it is going to be prolonged relying on the quantity that they may have. This is one thing we can not verify but till we get to the fourth day, then Hamas ought to current the checklist if they’re available with them,” Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani mentioned in an unique interview with “Face the Nation.”
Israel has publicly mentioned it’s prepared to increase the combating pause sooner or later for every 10 hostages launched. When requested whether or not Hamas had been capable of find any additional hostages in Gaza through the pause in combating, Al Thani mentioned there isn’t a such communication but. During this part one portion of the deal, Israel agreed to launch three Palestinian prisoners for every hostage — which suggests children for youths, ladies for ladies.
After all the kids and feminine civilians are launched, the second part of a possible hostage launch would come with feminine troopers, elderly hostages, and ultimately the boys, in keeping with Al Thani. The negotiations round males are difficult provided that as navy reservists they’d be dealt with as if active-duty troopers. Some particulars nonetheless must be ironed out.
There are a complete of 10 unaccounted for Americans, together with one authorized resident. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan mentioned he has “confidence that the entire people being held hostage will come home.”
On Sunday, Hamas additionally launched a girl named Aviva or Adrienne Siegel who’s the partner of U.S. citizen Keith Siegel. While she is just not a U.S. citizen, the Biden crew has advocated for her and continues to take action for her partner who stays in captivity.
Sullivan mentioned the White House stays in shut contact with authorities in Qatar and Egypt, who’ve helped dealer the hostage launch deal, in addition to Israeli officers.
Since Friday, Hamas has launched three teams of hostages who’ve been held captive in Gaza for the reason that terror attack. As a part of the U.S.-Qatari brokered deal, Israel and Hamas agreed to a short-term cease-fire and Israel can also be releasing dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas launched 13 Israelis and 4 Thai nationals on Saturday, and 13 Israeli hostages, 10 Thai hostages and one Filipino hostage had been launched Friday, in keeping with officers.
