German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has described the release of four Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip on Saturday as an “important sign of hope.” Writing on X, he said this was “especially true for the many families in Israel who continue to fear for their loved ones. “Four hostages are now free. Hamas must finally release all hostages. The war must end,” he said. Earlier in the day, Israeli special forces rescued four hostages in broad daylight from two locations in the centre of the Gaza Strip.