Biden announces release of 4-year-old Abigail Edan in latest Hamas hostage exchange

President Joe Biden revealed on Sunday that the most recent release of Hamas hostages included 4-year-old Abigail Edan, holding dual Israeli and American citizenship.

The U.S. remains committed to seeing the agreement through, as Biden emphasizes the expandable nature of the deal beyond the initial 50 hostages.

The President shared that the flexibility of the agreement allows for an extension of the cease-fire beyond the release of the agreed-upon four groups of hostages, indicating a potential avenue for further diplomatic progress.

Abigail Edan, among the 17 released hostages, spent her fourth birthday in captivity after her parents were tragically killed.

According to NBC, she was in her father’s arms when a Hamas gunman fatally shot him, with Abigail subsequently crawling out from under his body, covered in his blood.

Liz Hirsh Naftali, Edan’s great-aunt, has publicly addressed the trauma suffered by the child’s older brothers, aged 6 and 10, who witnessed their parents’ death.

She is actively supporting the children, aiming to provide them with everything they need for healing.

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), who had previously met with the Edan family, confirmed Abigail’s release and echoed the family’s call for the release of all hostages held by Hamas. In a tweet, Collins emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to secure the freedom of all captives.

While the path to recovery for the freed hostages and grieving families is long, there is reason for celebration among the families of the 17 recently released hostages. Simultaneously, the humanitarian aid effort to reach Palestinian citizens continues.

The Washington Post reported a smoother hostage exchange on Sunday compared to the previous day’s delays, where Hamas had alleged obstacles to humanitarian aid reaching parts of northern Gaza.

Israeli military leaders affirmed their commitment to resuming efforts to eliminate Hamas and free remaining hostages after a temporary pause.

The complex situation underscores the challenges in the ongoing battle against terrorism and the broader quest for peace in the region.