In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, twelve more hostages were released on Tuesday following the extension of a humanitarian pause in fighting. The Red Cross, in collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces, facilitated the release and transfer of the hostages to Egypt.

In a reciprocal gesture, thirty Palestinians, including fifteen minors and fifteen women, were released from Israeli prisons. The announcement was made by Dr. Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Israel Prison Service later revealed the names of the thirty prisoners set free.

The released hostages comprised ten Israelis, one Filipino, two Argentinians, and two Thai citizens, as confirmed by Al-Ansari. Among the Israeli nationals, one was a minor, and nine were women. However, none of the hostages released on Tuesday were American.

This development follows the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and over a hundred Palestinian prisoners, which occurred on Monday and over the weekend. Notably, 4-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, an Israeli-American girl, became the first American hostage to be released by Hamas. She also held the distinction of being the youngest American hostage.

The extension of the Gaza cease-fire was confirmed by National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Monday. The truce, negotiated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, was initially set to last four days but has now been prolonged by an additional 48 hours. It hinged on Hamas releasing at least 50 women and children held captive in Israel since October 7th, and Israel releasing at least 150 Palestinian women and children detained in its prisons. Israel also agreed to adhere to the cease-fire agreement in Gaza.

The temporary pause in fighting marks the first since Israel declared war on Hamas in response to their deadly rampage. The Israeli government stated that the rampage resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people. As part of their actions, Hamas reportedly abducted around 240 individuals from Israel and held them captive in Gaza.

Mediating country Qatar announced the agreement to extend the cease-fire on Monday, prior to its expected expiration on Tuesday morning. Israel had expressed its willingness to extend the cease-fire if Hamas agreed to free additional hostages. As per Israel's offer, they agreed to honor one additional day of the cease-fire for every ten additional hostages released by Hamas.

According to Kirby, Hamas committed to releasing another 20 hostages over the two-day extension. Efforts are underway to further prolong the cease-fire.

The Israeli government disclosed a list of 50 more Palestinian prisoners who could potentially be released in future exchanges. Eylon Levy, a spokesperson for the Israeli government, shared that the pause in hostage releases could be extended for up to five more days, based on a "three for one swap" approach. This means that for every hostage released by Hamas, three Palestinian prisoners would be freed by Israel.

Levy emphasized, "Once Hamas stops returning hostages, we will resume the military pressure on Hamas until it releases more of them."

So far, Hamas has primarily released women and children as hostages. However, the militant group, designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel, expressed interest in negotiating another deal that would extend the cease-fire and include the release of male hostages and abducted Israeli soldiers.

CIA Director William Burns reportedly met with officials in Doha to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict and the hostage situation on Tuesday. The Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to securing further cease-fire extensions until all the hostages are released.

According to conflicting reports, Israel claims that around 170 people remain captive in Gaza. However, Hamas disputes this, suggesting that some hostages are held by other groups. As efforts continue to secure the release of all remaining captives, the extension of the cease-fire provides a glimmer of hope for a lasting resolution to the conflict.