Hamas releases a third group of hostages as part of truce, and says it will seek to extend the...

The Qatar and US-mediated cease-fire began Friday (see previous write-up), with Hamas agreeing to release at least 50 of around 240 hostages abducted during their initial Oct. 7 attack in Southern Israel in exchange for about 150 Palestinian prisoners. The majority is said to be primarily women and children on both sides. As of late yesterday, 43 hostages had been released by Hamas, while around 100 prisoners had been released by Israel.
Among yesterday's group was at least one American—4-year-old Abigail Mor Edan. Reports suggest she was taken Oct. 7, during which both her parents were killed. Also released was 9-year-old Israeli-Irish citizen Emily Hand, who was previously believed to have been killed.