Berlin (dpa) – Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his relief at the release of hostages taken by the Hamas terror organisation, but called for the release of the over 200 people still being held. “It’s good news that the first group of hostages have at last been released. We can hardly imagine what they and their families have had to go through in the last few weeks,” said a Tweet from the Federal Chancellor’s account on X website. The outcome was the result of tireless diplomacy, he said, and he thanked all those involved for their efforts. “Today can only be the beginning. Hamas must release all hostages unconditionally!”
The Islamist Hamas organisation had previously released 24 hostages who were abducted in October, including four dual nationals with German citizenship. In response, Israel released convicted Palestinian prisoners. The reciprocal release of hostages is part of an agreement for a multi-day ceasefire.