Hamas on Friday freed an American woman and her teenage daughter it had held hostage in Gaza, the first such release from among the around 200 people the militant group abducted during its October 7 rampage through southern Israel. The release came as thousands of people in Muslim countries gathered in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, calling for an end to Israel's blockade and airstrikes. Read our blog to see how the day's events unfolded. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).
The latest news in brief:
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Israel confirmed on Friday that Hamas had released two Americans among more than 200 hostages abducted earlier this month. No details were given on their condition, but US President Joe Biden quickly said he was "overjoyed" at the news.
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France's President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the release of two American hostages in Gaza, highlighting Qatar's role and saying he hoped similar initiatives would happen in the coming days, including for French nationals.
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Palestinians are awaiting a first delivery of desperately needed international emergency aid. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid a visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Friday to oversee preparations for the delivery of aid to the war-torn enclave.
- The death toll in Gaza has risen to 4,137 since the Israeli bombardment began, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said Friday.
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