Another 12 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were released tonight, bringing the total number of freed captives to 22 over the past two days. However, time is running out to secure the freedom of all hostages as the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas expires less than 24 hours from now.
Among those released today were 10 Israelis and two Thai nationals. No Americans have been freed so far. Negotiators have indicated that at least one more group of hostages is expected to be released tomorrow as talks continue in Doha.
Questions remain over which factions within Gaza are actually holding specific hostages. Additionally, all of those released so far have been women or juveniles, causing increasing worry for adult males still in captivity.
Related Read: Hostages Swap Deal Between Israel and Hamas
The Beus family, whose baby, toddler, and 7-year-old child have been held in Gaza for over seven weeks, held a rally tonight calling for their release. However, no one from the Beus family was among those freed this evening. The family says their children are being kept isolated and with very little food.
With the ceasefire set to expire Wednesday night, negotiations are intensifying to extend the truce and expand the talks to include the release of military-aged males. Israel has threatened to resume airstrikes on Gaza if no agreement is reached. Regional leaders are urging both sides to give the negotiations a chance to save lives and avoid further bloodshed.
