WASHINGTON: Three Americans, who have been held by Hamas in Gaza since the group’s attack on Israel last month, are expected to be part of 50 hostages to be released by Palestine following a deal with Israel, the US, and Qatar, according to a senior US official.
Among the three Americans is a 3-year-old girl whose parents were killed in the conflict. The group of hostages will include two American women and a 3-year-old American girl named Abigail, officials said.
The total number of hostages released is likely to exceed 50, primarily consisting of women and children, once a temporary ceasefire is in effect.
As part of the agreement, Hamas will release 50 hostages, and Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners during a four- to five-day ceasefire in the fighting. Initial releases are expected within 24 hours of the deal’s announcement, starting with the first group likely to be freed on Thursday morning.
More than 14,000 innocent Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli bombardments since October 7.
Ceasefire Terms Include Release of American Hostages
The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, mentioned that the total count of women and children released could reach at least 50 over the specified period. The deal also involves additional deliveries of humanitarian relief aid to Gaza, with hopes that the ceasefire will be observed in northern Israel, where clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have occurred.
The official noted that Hamas has expressed the need for a pause to locate and determine the whereabouts of people, allowing them time to identify and collect additional women and children during this period.
