Thirteen Israelis and four Thai nationals held hostage in Gaza since Oct. 7 were released on the second day of the pause in fighting, in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners. The release of hostages was delayed by seven hours after allegations from Hamas, including that Israel was not allowing humanitarian aid to reach parts of northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian diplomats held emergency talks with both sides to salvage the deal, and U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said the logjam was broken after President Biden spoke with Qatar’s emir and foreign minister. Israeli military leaders said Saturday they would resume attacks inside the Gaza Strip after the break in combat. “The time frame for the pause is short,” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on a visit to troops in Gaza, adding that further negotiations will be held “under fire.”
