KEY POINTS
- Netanyahu met with Germany's president after the announcement of a $7.6 million donation
- The IDF is facilitating the entry of cooking gas and fuel for UN aid groups in Gaza
- The 11 hostages freed Monday have finally reached Tel Aviv, as per IDF
As the Israel-Hamas war enters its 53rd day, the warring sides have agreed to extend the ceasefire for two more days, raising hopes for the release of more hostages that have been held by the militant group in Gaza for more than seven weeks.
- Israel, Hamas agree to 2-day ceasefire extension
- 11 hostages, 33 Palestinian prisoners freed Monday
- 2 Americans not included in Monday's release
- Israel receives list of 10 hostages to be freed Tuesday
- Majority of freed hostages Monday were children
- Hamas expected to make greater demands to release abducted soldiers
- Some freed hostages start sharing their experiences in Hamas captivity
- 10-month old Kfir Bibas and his family, are being held by another Palestinian faction: IDF
- Hostages were "briefed" on how to act in front of cameras: IDF spokesperson
- 3 young French nationals among hostages freed Monday: foreign minister
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier Monday wherein the former thanked Steinmeir "for being a true friend to Israel."
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said eight containers carrying cooking gas and fuel were delivered to United Nations humanitarian aid groups in Gaza as part of the truce agreement with Hamas. Humanitarian groups have called for more aid to enter the enclave before the truce started on Nov. 24.
U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated Tuesday that a two-state solution was the "only way" to ensure that Israelis and Palestinians can achieve long-term peace. He has repeatedly expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas attacks, but has also urged its Middle Eastern ally to conduct defense operations based on humanitarian and international laws.
Hamas militants launched a surprise attack in Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than a thousand people – mostly civilians – and abducting over 200 hostages. Since then, a total of 69 hostages being held by the terror group have been freed, and in exchange, Israel has released 150 Palestinians from prisons.
The Oct. 7 carnage stems from longstanding Israel-Palestine tensions that have drawn attacks into Israel from other terrorist organizations, including Yemen's Houthi rebels and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which are both backed by Iran.
Blinken thanks Qatar for its "critical efforts" in hostage release talks
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken thanked Qatar Tuesday for its "critical efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas," as per a statement from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Blinken also discussed during a call with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani the importance of sustaining the surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza.
