Hamas has released a second group of Israeli and foreign hostages in the Gaza Strip as part of a prisoner exchange deal. The release, which was delayed for several hours, saw 13 Israelis and four Thai citizens return to Israel. The Israeli military and the Shin Bet security service confirmed the release in a joint announcement. Earlier, Hamas’ armed wing had said that it had handed over 13 Israelis and seven foreigners to the Red Cross, although the reason for the discrepancy in the number of foreigners released is not clear. The delay in the release had caused anxiety among relatives, but the situation was resolved after Egyptian and Qatari mediators assured Hamas that Israel would uphold the conditions of the accord. Israeli officials denied any breach of the terms of the truce. The release of the hostages is part of an agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, which will see a total of 50 hostages freed in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas Frees Another Batch of 17 Hostages as Temporary Truce Holds
