German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock on Monday welcomed the release of 11 hostages, including “two teenagers with German citizenship”, as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.

“After 52 days of suffering and despair, their mother can take the children in her arms again. I think of the families who continue to wait and worry. We are doing everything we can so that you too can take your loved ones in your arms again,” the foreign minister said via X (formerly Twitter).

The release of these two hostages yesterday Monday brings to ten the number of German passport holders who have been let out of the Gaza Strip by Hamas (four were released on Friday, the same number on Saturday).

Mrs. Burbok also praised the extension of the truce decided by the parties. He judged that it offers “precious time” to “help our citizens in Gaza”, that it “is a ray of hope” and helps “not to lose sight of what could be done: solid steps towards a safe future for all in the area”.