Hamas to Release More Hostages in Israel-Gaza Truce Deal
Hamas fighters have announced that they will release additional hostages on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, bringing hope to families who have endured seven weeks of war that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. Qatar, a key mediator, is expected to announce the number of prisoners and hostages to be freed later today, marking the second swap since a four-day ceasefire went into effect on Friday. Israeli authorities have confirmed that they have received a list of hostages to be released but have not provided specific numbers or timing.
On the first day of the truce, Hamas released 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis (all women and children), 10 Thais, and one Filipino. A video released by Hamas showed masked militants handing over the hostages to Red Cross officials. In response, Israel released 39 women and children from its prisons.
US President Joe Biden expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and called for broader efforts to establish a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel. Around 215 hostages still remain in Gaza, according to Israeli army spokesman Doron Spielman. The hostages were captured by Hamas fighters when they breached Gaza’s militarized border with Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people.
As part of the ceasefire agreement involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Hamas is expected to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. The release of hostages on Friday was met with joy and relief in Tel Aviv and Palestinian territories, with families and supporters welcoming them back. However, there are still concerns about the well-being of the remaining hostages and the ability to reunite them with their families.
The ceasefire has also allowed for much-needed aid to enter Gaza, with 200 trucks of humanitarian supplies reaching the territory, the largest convoy since the war began. This pause in fighting is hoped to lead to a longer-term humanitarian ceasefire. Gazans have been grappling with shortages of water and other essential resources, and the UN estimates that 1.7 million out of Gaza’s 2.4 million population have been displaced by the conflict.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets warning people of the ongoing danger in the north and urging them not to return to their homes yet. However, thousands of Palestinians have already started to make their way back, despite the risks involved. Israeli soldiers have been prepared to receive the released hostages and ensure their well-being, providing medical examinations and facilitating communication with their families before reunions take place.
While progress has been made in the hostage release and the delivery of humanitarian aid, there is still much work to be done to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
