After the release of 13 hostages in Israel, US President Joe Biden has vowed unwavering commitment to ensuring the return of every hostage to their loved ones.
He described the release of 24 hostages from Gaza, including 13 Israeli nationals, as "a great relief," but added that "our hearts are with the hostages who are still being held in Gaza."
The release of 13 hostages, mother and children, is the first of four expected stages. Notably, Hamas has agreed to release some 50 hostages, which include women and children over the four days of the truce with Israel.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it completed its operational assessment of the cease-fire lines. Friday morning the IDF forces destroyed the terrorist tunnel that was exposed in Shifa Hospital.
The four-day cease-fire between Israel and the militant group Hamas will commence today, but experts say the short pause in fighting will resume with intensity for at least two months, The Times of Israel has reported.
A four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas will begin on Friday morning, with civilian hostages and Palestinian prisoners set to be freed later in the afternoon, Qatar announced on Thursday, according to CNN.