An American citizen was among the latest group of hostages released by Hamas Wednesday, President Biden and officials from Israel and Qatar confirmed. Liat Beinin was one of a total of 16 hostages freed on the sixth day of the temporary cease-fire between Israel and the militant group that governs Gaza.
“I have some highly positive news to share,” Mr. Biden conveyed in concise remarks on Wednesday afternoon. “Liat Beinin is safe in Egypt; she has successfully crossed the border. I spoke with her parents, who are deeply appreciative, and things are progressing well. She will soon be reunited with her three children. That’s all I have to say for now.” The Israeli government identifies her as Liat Binin Atzili, aged 49.
Expressing relief, her father, Yehuda Beinin, stated, “I am incredibly relieved and grateful that my daughter is alive and will soon be returned to her family. While I am overjoyed about her reunion, I remain dedicated to the mission of bringing my son-in-law, Aviv, home as well.” He expressed gratitude to President Biden for aiding in the release of the hostages and emphasized the ongoing effort to bring all hostages home. An American citizen
Beinin was among a group of 10 Israeli and dual-citizen hostages released on Wednesday, along with four Thai citizens, as confirmed by statements from the Israeli military and the Qatari foreign ministry.
“Red Cross representatives recently transferred the 10 Israeli and 4 Thai national hostages to Egypt. They are currently en route to Israel through Egypt, heading to the meeting point with our soldiers,” stated the Israel Defense Forces in an official release. It later confirmed their return to Israeli territory, where they would be taken to hospitals for reunification with their families.
The group comprised five minors and five women, including a minor with Dutch-Israeli nationality and three women with German-Israeli nationality, according to the Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson.
Earlier in the day, two other Israeli-Russian hostages were handed over to the Red Cross and subsequently arrived in Israel, as announced by the Israeli military.