
France is steadfast in its commitment to securing the release of two French-Israeli hostages currently being held by Hamas in Gaza. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the country's unwavering determination, stating that they will continue to fight until the very end for the safe return of Ofer Calderon and Ohad Yahalomi.
These two individuals are part of a group of 33 hostages slated for release in the initial phase of a ceasefire-hostage agreement, as announced by French President Emmanuel Macron last week. Despite the progress made in negotiations, Barrot expressed concern over the lack of updates regarding the hostages' well-being and the specific conditions of their captivity.

Over the weekend, there was a positive development as three hostages were successfully freed from Hamas' custody, marking the beginning of the implementation of the agreement. In reciprocation, Israeli authorities released a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, totaling 90 individuals. Among the released prisoners were 69 women and nine children, with the youngest being a 15-year-old.
The ongoing efforts to secure the release of all hostages demonstrate the collective commitment of the involved parties to prioritize humanitarian concerns and work towards peaceful resolutions. France's unwavering dedication to this cause underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex hostage situations and promoting stability in conflict-affected regions.