Biden says 4-year-old US hostage has been freed by Hamas

President Joe Biden announced on a Sunday that a young American girl, four-year-old Abigail Edan, was freed from her captors in Gaza and returned to Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement. Abigail had been held hostage since witnessing the tragic death of her parents at the hands of Hamas fighters on October 7. President Biden described her ordeal as 'unthinkable' and planned to discuss the situation further with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas included an exchange of 50 hostages for 150 prisoners. A source from Hamas indicated a willingness to extend the truce to facilitate more releases. This ceasefire marked the first break in hostilities since a deadly attack by Hamas in southern Israel, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. In response, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza.

Meanwhile, in London, thousands marched to protest the increase in hate crimes, particularly against Jews. The demonstrators carried signs of solidarity and called for an end to antisemitism. The London police reported a significant rise in hate crime incidents. During the protest, a far-right activist was arrested for refusing to comply with police orders. The march aimed to promote unity and condemn racism, with participants hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.