Hamas hostage releases: Israeli-American Abigail Edan, four, among 13 prisoners freed
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed 13 more Israeli prisoners have been freed by Hamas, alongside three Thai nationals and one Russian.
Joe Biden speaks about the release of Abigail Edan
Israeli-American girl Abigail Edan is among 13 Israeli hostages released by Hamas today, alongside four Thai nationals and one Russian.
The prisoners were handed over to the Red Cross on the third day of a ceasfire in Gaza.
Speaking about their release, President Joe Biden told a press conference Abigail's father was shot as he shielded her from gunfire on October 7.
She was then taken hostage after running to a neighbor for help, Biden said while addressing the media in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
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KEY EVENTS
Netanyahu says Israel 'will return with full force' once the ceasefire is over
Netanyahu says he told Biden that, at the end of the truce, Israel "we will return with full force to achieve our goals: The elimination of Hamas, ensuring that Gaza does return to what it was; and of course the release of all our hostages."
Netanyahu and Biden have spoken over the phone, White House says
A statement on the White House website says: "President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss the situation in Gaza.
"The President welcomed the release of hostages by Hamas over the past three days, including a young American girl.
"The two leaders also discussed the pause in the fighting and surge in much needed additional humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
"The Prime Minister thanked the President for his tireless efforts to help broker and fully implement this deal.
"The two leaders agreed that the work is not yet done and that they will continue working to secure the release of all hostages.
"The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact over the coming days."
Palestinian prisoners embrace loved-ones after being released by Israel
Pictures show Mohammed Al-Awar, a former prisoner released from an Israeli jail in exchange for hostages, embracing his father in east Jerusalem.
Hamas wants to extend truce
In a statement, Hamas said it is is "seeking to extend the truce after the end of the four days through seriously trying to increase the number of hostages released as stipulated in the humanitarian truce deal."
The last day of the ceasefire under the current agreement is tomorrow.
'Very sick' elderly woman among hostages release
Joe Biden says an "older, non-American elderly woman was very sick and was in need of immediate medical help."
Those released today were originally scheduled to head to Egypt - the same as hostages freed on Friday and Saturday - but have been taken southern Israel by northern Gaza as a result.
Biden added: "They arranged to cross directly into Israel to be able to take her to a hospital."
Red Cross convoy spotted taking hostages home
New images have emerged of Red Cross vehicles taking the freed hostages back to safety.
Israel confirms release of 39 Palestinian prisoners
The Israeli prison services has confirmed 39 Palestinians have been released amid the truce between Hamas and Israel.
'What Abigail endured is unthinkable'
Speaking about the hostages, President Biden said: "On October 7, Abigail ran to her dad who then was gunned down while using his body to shield little Abigail.
"She then ran to a neighbor for help, where they were all taken hostage - that entire house of neighbors.
"What she endured is unthinkable.
"Abigail is among 13 hostages released today in Gaza under the brokered and sustained, though intensive, US diplomacy.
"She's now safely in Israel and we continue to press and expect additional Americans will be released as well.
"We will not stop working until every hostage is released to their loved-ones."
Welcome to our live blog
Welcome to our live blog.
We'll be bringing you the latest updates on the third day of the ceasefire in Gaza where 14 prisoners, including Israeli-American girl Abigail Edan, have been released from captivity.
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