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Gaza, November 26 (IANS) Qatar has said that another 13 children and women will be freed by the Hamas terror group later on Sunday, after 51 days held hostage in the Gaza Strip, the media reported.
As part of a separate agreement, seven foreign nationals will also be set free, Doha says, according to reports.
Israel will free 39 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, The Times of Israel reported.
There is no official Israeli announcement on the matter, but the Ynet news site and Army Radio say that Israeli officials confirmed they are expecting 13 Israelis to be released.
Twenty-six people have been released so far as part of the agreement, which has also seen a pause in fighting, humanitarian aid entering the Strip, and three Palestinian prisoners released for every hostage set free.
Will do everything to bring back other hostages: Israel Hostages and Missing Families forum
The Hostages and Missing Families forum on Sunday said that they will do everything under their command for the release of all hostages who were taken by Hamas following October 7 attacks.
“Emily has come back to us. We can’t find the words to describe our emotions after 50 challenging and complicated days. We are overjoyed to embrace Emily again, but at the same time we remember Raya Rotem and all other hostages who have not yet returned,” the forum said in a statement, quoting family members of the nine-year-old Emily Hand who was released by Hamas on Saturday.
“We will do everything in within their power to bring the rest of the hostages back home,” the forum in a statement said.
The family of Emily Hand also said that they wanted to express the gratitude of the family of each and everyone who had stood by them during the bad times they faced. “We appreciate the unwavering support as we continue our efforts for the safe return of all,” the forum said.
Merit Regev, mother of Maya Regev who was also released said that she is to see her daughter back home.
“I am excited and happy see Maya back with us. But my heart still heavy as my son Italy is with Hamas,” she said.
She said that they will not stop until Italy and all other hostages get back home safely.
IDF chief: Military will resume fighting 'with determination' at end of current lull
In a long letter to troops, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the military will return to fighting Hamas "with determination" once the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip ends, the media reported.
"The IDF and its soldiers fight fiercely to protect the lives of our people while upholding the values of the IDF. We created conditions for the framework of the release of the first group of hostage children and mothers (that is taking place) during this pause" in the fighting, Halevi added.
"When the framework is completed, we will return to our operations with determination, for the continued release of the hostages and the complete dismantlement of Hamas," he said as quoted by the Times of Israel report.
"I met many of you at the end of long hours of fighting both above and underground, facing complex challenges. In every encounter, I saw reflected in your eyes the magnitude of the moment, the fighting spirit and determination to achieve all the objectives of the war," Halevi added.
"I heard you tell me: 'We want to fight until we return the hostages.' And so we are doing just that!"
