GAZA/JERUSALEM - Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has provided Israel with a list of hostages to be released from Gaza on Saturday, following the initial release of 24 hostages on the first day of a planned four-day truce. Israeli security officials are reviewing the list, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government commits to working for the release of all hostages taken during a Hamas attack on October 7.

The pause in hostilities marks the first break, with both sides indicating a resumption of hostilities after the truce ends. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism about extending the truce and emphasized the critical opportunity to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The released hostages, including Israeli women and children, Thai farm workers, and Red Cross staff, were transferred from Gaza to Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing and subsequently taken to Israel for medical checks and reunions with relatives.

Qatar, acting as a mediator, announced the release of 13 Israelis, 10 Thais, and a Philippine national. Additionally, 39 Palestinian women and children detainees were released from Israeli jails. The total humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza, including food, water, and medical supplies, reached a significant amount.

While families of the released hostages expressed mixed emotions, with some relieved and others still anxious for their loved ones, President Biden acknowledged the challenging nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict, expressing hope for an extended truce.

The release of Thai workers was noted as unrelated to the truce talks and followed a separate track mediated by Egypt and Qatar. However, concerns remain as some hostages were not part of the released group, and the overall situation in Gaza continues to cause distress among affected families.