No Release for Youngest American Hostage on Her Birthday

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Avigail Idan, the youngest American held by Hamas, spent her fourth birthday still in captivity. Hopes were dashed as the initial group of 24 hostages released in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners did not include any Americans. Even President Biden, expressing concern, acknowledged uncertainty about the release timeline during a family trip to Nantucket. Avigail, orphaned as her parents were killed, remains among the missing. The Biden administration, emphasizing this release as the starting point, vows relentless efforts to secure the freedom of the two American women and four-year-old Avigail. The traumatic experiences of these hostages, including three Israeli children under six, are evident as they were welcomed with plush toys at the hospital.