Nine children and two mothers have been released from captivity in Gaza following the extension of a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, according to an Israeli spokesperson.
The hostages arrived in Israel Monday evening and will be escorted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, the IDF said Monday.
The expected release will include Sharon Aloni Cunio, 34, and her twin daughters Emma Aloni Cunio, 3, and Yuli Aloni Cunio, 3, according to a statement the Hostages and Missing Families Forum headquarters shared with The Daily Beast.
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All 11 hostages are Israeli and from Kibbutz Nir Oz, according to Osnat Peri, the Head of the Kibbutz.
“The news this evening brings a sigh of relief to our community, however we remain deeply concerned about our loved ones that are still held hostage. We demand the return of all hostages, immediately, whatever it takes,” the head of Kibbutz said in a statement shared with The Daily Beast.
The release of the hostages coincides with the extension of the Israel-Hamas truce by two more days, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry and the White House said Monday.
“The State of Qatar announces, as part of the ongoing mediation, an agreement has been reached to extend the humanitarian truce for an additional two days in the Gaza Strip,” Dr. Majed Al-Ansari, the Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman, said in a statement shared on X, or Twitter.
The White House National Security Council coordinator, John Kirby, confirmed the extension in a briefing with reporters Monday.
Twenty hostages are expected to be released over the next two days, Kirby said. Americans may be a part of that group, he added, noting, “We're going to be watching closely to see if any Americans are in that group.”
“Hamas has committed to releasing another 20 women and children over the next two days,” Kirby said.
Or Yaakov, 16, and his brother Yagil Yaakov, 12, along with 16-year-old Sahar Kalderon and her 12-year-old brother, Erez Kalderon, are also set to be released. Others expected to be among the rescued include Karina Engel-Bart, 52, and her children Mika Engel, 18, and Yuval Engel, 11, as well as 12-year-old Eitan Yahalomi, the oldest child in his family. His father, Ohad, was also kidnapped.
Egyptian security sources had previously said the truce might be extended as well, according to The Jerusalem Post. The Qatari spokesperson had previously announced efforts were ongoing to extend the truce. The intention is to allow for more aid delivery into Gaza and to usher in the release of more hostages.
“Efforts are now ongoing towards extending the humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip for two additional days,” the statement said.
Dr. Majed Al-Ansari said that Qatar is hopeful that a truce extension would lead to a more permanent ceasefire and “stop the blood of civilians.”
The news comes as Hamas has released hostages in recent days in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
On Sunday, Hamas released 17 hostages, including Abigail Edan, a four-year-old American.
Liz Hirsh Naftali and Noa Naftali, the great aunt and cousin of Edan, said they hoped this was a sign that the release of more hostages could be secured.
“We hoped and prayed today would come. There are no words to express our relief and gratitude that Abigail is safe and coming home. Thank you to President Biden and his dedicated team; thank you to the Qatari government and other informal actors who are involved in securing Abigail’s release and reuniting other hostages with their loved ones. Today’s release proves that it’s possible. We can get all hostages back home,” they said in a statement shared with The Daily Beast. “We have to keep pushing. We will continue to stand with the families of all the hostages still held captive, and we remain committed as ever to securing their safe and swift return.”
