Hamas Releases Second Group of Hostages After Delays and Cease-fire Holds

A second group of 17 hostages, including 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals, who had been held captive by Hamas militants since the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel, were released late Saturday night after an hours-long delay as part of a short-term ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. In exchange, 39 Palestinian women and children jailed in Israel were also freed. The release came after Hamas accused Israel of not complying with the ceasefire's terms, but the obstacles were eventually overcome with the help of mediators. The ceasefire allows for the release of 50 Hamas-held hostages over four days and the release of 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israel.