France is steadfast in its efforts to secure the release of two French-Israeli nationals still held by Hamas, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Monday. Speaking to BFM TV, Barrot reiterated France’s commitment to ensuring their freedom, despite having no updates on their condition.
“We will continue to fight until the last hour for their release,” Barrot said, adding that there was no information regarding the hostages’ health or detention circumstances.
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The two French-Israeli nationals, Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi, are believed to be among the 33 hostages slated for release during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Sunday marked the beginning of a temporary truce following 15 months of devastating conflict in Gaza. Under the deal, Hamas released three Israeli hostages [3], and Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners [4]. The agreement, brokered with international support, aims to secure the release of more hostages in exchange for additional Palestinian detainees.
The fragile ceasefire also seeks to allow much-needed humanitarian aid into the battered Gaza Strip. However, delays and mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas have already tested the agreement’s stability.