Abigail Mor Edan, the youngest U.S. citizen held by Hamas, was among the hostages released back to Israel on Sunday, both President Biden and the Israeli military confirmed. Abigail, who turned 4 years old last week while in captivity, was kidnapped during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and held captive in Gaza. She was one of 240 people hostage by Hamas. The hostages released on Sunday followed two earlier waves of releases that relied on a deal with Israel whereby at least 50 women and children would be released from Gaza and about 150 Palestinian women and teenagers would be released from Israeli prisons. A temporary cease-fire agreement was also to be upheld. The pause in fighting was agreed to last four days, during which time at least 17 hostages, including Abigail, were released. President Biden and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also confirmed that Americans were expected to be freed. The child’s mother was killed by Hamas militants before her father was also killed while shielding Abigail from the attack. Abigail’s great-aunt and cousin expressed relief and gratitude upon news of her release, and thanked President Biden and the Qatari government. The family was hopeful that Abigail’s return would provide some measure of closure. Abigail will be reunited with her siblings and family members in Israel. It’s heartwarming news that this innocent child is finally safe and back home with her loved ones.
4-Year-Old Abigail Mor Edan Freed from Hamas Captivity: Everything You Need to Know
