Hamas has reportedly relinquished its youngest hostages, including 10-month-old baby Kfir Bibas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim that Kfir and his 4-year-old brother Ariel are now under the control of a separate Palestinian militant group called the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and they have been taken to Khan Younis.
There are concerns that the southern Gaza city, Khan Younis, could become the next target of the IDF, raising fears that hostages are being strategically placed there to exert pressure on Israel to extend the terms of the ceasefire.
Despite speculation that Kfir and Ariel might be part of the latest hostage release, uncertainties persist as the tense ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues for another day. A family statement expressed deep uncertainty and disappointment about the situation, stating, “We are experiencing moments of great uncertainty. The realization that we will not get the hug we wished for leaves us speechless.”
Hamas recently released 11 Israelis held in the Gaza Strip, bringing the total number of hostages released to more than 50. The release followed efforts by Qatari mediators to resolve issues with the lists of Israeli captives and Palestinian terrorists to be released.
However, there were reported problems with the lists, including the absence of mothers. Under the terms of the deal, Hamas had agreed that mothers would not be separated from their children, but this condition was allegedly violated multiple times by the terror group.
Following the Monday release of hostages, the Israel Defense Forces’ Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories Unit announced the dispatch of 200 humanitarian aid trucks to international aid organizations operating in Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Hamas had kidnapped around 240 people during its October 7 assault on southern Israel, resulting in thousands of casualties. The Gaza-based terrorist group expressed its intention to extend the truce if Israel makes a “serious effort” to increase the number of Palestinian terrorists released from prison.
On Monday night, the US National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby stated that Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the ceasefire-for-hostages agreement by two days. He mentioned, “The humanitarian pause in Gaza, now in its fourth day, will be extended for another two days, through Thursday morning Israel time.” As part of the extension, Hamas committed to releasing another 20 women and children.
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