September, Friday 20, 2024

Liat Beinin Atzili: American Citizen Freed Alongside 16 Hamas Hostages


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As part of a temporary ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, a dual US-Israeli citizen who was held hostage in Gaza has been released. Liat Beinin Atzili was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel on October 7. Hamas released her along with 12 Israeli and four Thai hostages on Wednesday. However, there are still eight US citizens believed to be in captivity. The release of Ms. Atzili was confirmed by the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum and US President Joe Biden, who spoke with her parents and assured that she will soon be reunited with her three children. In addition to the hostages, thirty Palestinians held by Israel were also released as part of the Qatari-mediated ceasefire deal. The attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7 resulted in the death of 1,200 individuals and the taking of approximately 240 hostages. While celebrating the release of Mrs. Atzili, it is crucial to remember that her husband, Aviv, and more than 100 other hostages remain in Hamas captivity, according to Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan. He also called for the release of another Yad Vashem colleague, Alex Dancyg, who was abducted on the same day. In an interview, Mrs. Atzili's father described her desperate situation before being kidnapped. The released hostages arrived back in Israeli territory via Egypt, accompanied by special forces troops, and underwent medical tests before reuniting with their families in hospitals. The group consisted of individuals with various nationalities, including three women with German-Israeli nationality and a minor with Dutch-Israeli nationality. Earlier this week, a four-year-old US hostage named Abigail Edan was released, while two other US hostages, Judith and Natalie Raanan, were released in late October for humanitarian reasons. There are still eight Americans believed to be in captivity. President Biden expressed determination to secure the release of every hostage taken by Hamas and highlighted the progress made during the ceasefire, including the return of nearly 100 individuals and the acceleration of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Talks are ongoing to extend the ceasefire before it expires.