A 4-year-old American-Israeli girl, Abigail Edan, was among 17 hostages released on the third day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The release on Sunday brings the total number of freed hostages to 41.Â

In a press conference on Sunday, President Joe Biden responded to Abigail’s release, marking the first successful release of an American hostage since the ceasefire began, according to the White House.

Abigail, who was abducted by Hamas on October 7, was handed over to Red Cross officials. She was orphaned during the conflict that led to her capture, with her parents killed by Hamas on the day of her abduction. The young girl celebrated her fourth birthday while in captivity.

Her siblings, a 6-year-old sister and a 10-year-old brother, witnessed the murder of their parents and hid for 14 hours to avoid the same fate, as Liz Hirsh Naftali, Abigail’s great-aunt, told. , according to CNN.

Besides Abigail, 16 other hostages were released: 14 Israelis and three foreign nationals. One was airlifted to a hospital, while the others were escorted through the border fence from Gaza to Israel, The Associated Press. reported

In Sunday’s press conference, Biden emphasized the goal of extending the four-day military truce to facilitate the release of more hostages and increase humanitarian aid into Gaza. He acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation, noting that it is a day-by-day, hour-by-hour process with no guarantees.

He highlighted the emotional impact of the ceasefire, referencing the joy and relief of families reuniting, including the release of Abigail and more than 20 other children so far.

Biden mentioned his cooperation with the Emir of Qatar, President Sisi of Egypt and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, expressing gratitude for their partnership in the agreement and efforts to extend it.

As for the status of other American hostages, Biden expressed hope but lacked definitive updates. He added that he was not sure of the exact number of militant groups holding American hostages.

Biden said regional players, even those not directly involved, are seeking an end to the conflict, with the ultimate goal of freeing all hostages and removing Hamas’ control of Gaza.

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office revealed that the Israeli hostages ranged in age from 4 to 84, including nine children aged 17 and younger.

As part of the ceasefire, Israel is set to release 39 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday.

A fourth exchange is expected on Monday, marking the last day of the ceasefire. This exchange is expected to involve a total of 50 hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners, all of whom are women and minors.

Efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and other international mediators are underway to extend the ceasefire. Before the latest release, Netanyahu visited the Gaza Strip, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to take all hostages and achieve victory.

The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, brought an end to seven weeks of intense conflict sparked by terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel and the slaughter of 1,200 people, including 31 Americans, and thousands more injured. Israeli airstrikes have resulted in about 10,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Hamas, which has stopped many Palestinians fleeing areas the Israel Defense Forces aim to increase the number of casualties. The death toll in Gaza is unknown.Â

In a related development, Hamas announced the death of Ahmed al-Ghandour, commander-in-chief in charge of northern Gaza and a member of its military council. Al-Ghandour, about 56 years old, has been involved in many militant activities, including a cross-border attack in 2006.

The Israeli military confirmed his death along with three other senior militants, including Ayman Siam, head of Hamas’ shooting department. These deaths occurred during an Israeli operation targeting an underground complex used by Hamas leaders.