by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – After spending 54 days in captivity, Hamas released a total of 16 hostages on Wednesday. The released individuals comprise 12 Israelis and 4 Thai nationals who were freed from Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) report that special forces and members of the Israeli Shin Bet security agency are escorting the individuals to Israel for a medical evaluation before they are reunited with their families.
The IDF asks the public to “demonstrate patience and sensitivity during this time out of respect for the released hostages and their families.”
Some of the freed hostages will be reunited with their families. Among those freed is Roya Rotem (54), who will be reunited with her daughter Hila (13), who was released just a few days ago. Additionally, Itai Regev (18) is on the list and will be reunited with her sister Maya (21), who was also released a few days ago.
These are the rest of the Israelis who were released today: Raz Ben Ami (57), Jordan Roman (36), Liat Atzili (49), Moran Stella Yani (40), Liam Or (18), Ofir Engel (17), Amit Shani (16), and Gali Tarshantsky (13) were all released on Wednesday evening.
Additionally, as a gesture to Russian President Vladimir Putin, two Israeli-Russian nationals, Yelena Trupanob (50) and Irena Tai (73), have been released. However, Trupanob’s partner, Sapir Cohen, and her son Sasha remain in captivity.
Earlier today, President Joe Biden announced the release of Liat Beinin, a dual Israeli-US citizen and mother of three — Ofri, 22, Neta, 20, and Aya, 18—from Kibbutz Nir Oz. While her husband, Aviv, remains hostage in Gaza, Biden shares positive news with reporters, stating, “I’ve got some very good news to report. Liat Beinin is safe in Egypt. She’s crossed the border. I talked to her mother and father; they’re very appreciative. She’ll soon be home with her three children.”
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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