A fifth group of hostages was released by Hamas Tuesday evening amid an extended ceasefire agreement reached by Israel and Hamas on Monday.
The deal for the two-day extension of the truce in Gaza included a commitment from Hamas to release an additional 20 women and children (after the 50 agreed to in the original ceasefire agreement). 11 more Israeli hostages were released late Monday to reach that initial promised 50. Those from that fourth group have been identified as:
With the news that additional hostages were being released Tuesday evening came speculation that the Bibas family, who've captured the attention of millions due to baby Kfir's age (now 10 months) and their flaming red hair, might be among them, but they were not. According to the latest reporting, they likely are not in the custody of Hamas but rather with another terrorist group in southern Gaza.
The 12 hostages released Tuesday evening include 10 Israelis and two Thai nationals (who reportedly were caregivers).
"A short while ago, Red Cross representatives transferred the 12 hostages to Egypt," the IDF said in a statement. "The released hostages' convoy is currently making its way through Egypt to the meeting point with our soldiers at Kerem Shalom. Security representatives will verify the identity of the released hostages at the meeting point. The families of the hostages are being updated by IDF representatives with the latest available information."
The Israelis in this latest group have been identified as:
Some additional information about the latest hostages released:
The youngest hostage included in the fifth group is 17-year-old Mia Leimberg, shown here with her dog, Bella.
(As noted above, Mia's mother, Gabriela, was thankfully allowed to return with her.)
As we learn more about the harrowing experiences of the hostages and hold out hope for the return of the hundred-some-odd more who remain in captivity, it is at least momentarily heartening to see those who have returned reunited with loved ones.
For additional RedState coverage regarding the hostages, see:
Life in the Tunnels: What It's Like to Be a Hamas Hostage
First Medical Reports on Released Hamas Hostages Are in, and They Aren't Good
Here's What Happened When One Israeli Hostage Managed to Escape His Captors in Gaza