Hamas frees third group of hostages in Gaza

US President Joe Biden celebrated the release of Abigail Edan, the girl who was freed after weeks in Gaza.

“Two days ago, one of our fellow Americans, a girl named Abigail, turned 4 years old. “He spent his birthday, and that birthday at least 50 days ago, as a hostage of Hamas,” Biden said in remarks from Nantucket, Massachusetts.

“Today she is free, and Jill and I join many Americans in praying for her recovery,” he continued.

Upon arriving in Israel, Biden said Eden would receive love, care and “the support services he needs.”

The 4-year-old girl “suffered a terrible trauma,” Biden said. He said his mother was murdered in front of him. She then runs into her father, who uses his body to protect her and is killed.

“What she endured was unimaginable,” Biden said. He had no details on Aden’s condition.

“She is safe in Israel, but there is a lot of work to be done,” he said.

According to officials, Abigail was the youngest American hostage. Biden noted that Eden’s release, along with the release of dozens of other hostages since the cease-fire began, was “several weeks of hard work and personal commitment from me and my team.”

The president said he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “soon,” indicating that the two would discuss implementing the existing agreement and efforts to bring more hostages home. Biden highlighted his commitment to the highest leadership in Qatar and Egypt.

“This is not the end” of the temporary ceasefire, Biden concluded.