This week, Hamas is set to release three Israeli and five Thai hostages after a year in captivity. This marks the third release since the start of a six-week truce, aimed to facilitate negotiations to resolve the longstanding conflict in Gaza. The Israeli government confirmed the details on Wednesday night, as the cease-fire has held firm for two weeks now.
Hamas to Release Eight Hostages Amid Ongoing Gaza Truce
Hamas to Release Eight Hostages Amid Ongoing Gaza Truce
A tentative cease-fire continues as Hamas announces the release of eight hostages, including Israeli and Thai nationals, scheduled for Thursday.
The Israeli hostages scheduled for release are Gadi Moses, 80, Arbel Yehud, 29, and Agam Berger, 20. While Hamas confirmed the release of the Israeli detainees via social media, the identities of the Thai nationals have not been disclosed. As part of this hostage exchange, Israel is expected to release over 100 Palestinian prisoners, including a number who are currently serving life sentences for their involvement in attacks against Israelis.
This release follows a brutal campaign in Gaza that resulted in over 45,000 recorded fatalities, as reported by local health officials, who combine both civilian and combatant casualties. The current negotiations assert that during the initial 42-day cease-fire, Hamas agreed to free 33 of the remaining 97 hostages in Gaza, contingent on certain conditions from both sides. Notably, the release of Yehud had faced delays, prompting Israel to restrict the return of thousands of displaced Palestinians to their northern homes.
Mediators succeeded in securing a commitment for Yehud's release, which has now prompted the Israeli military to facilitate the return of displaced individuals, as per the terms of the ongoing cease-fire agreement.
This release follows a brutal campaign in Gaza that resulted in over 45,000 recorded fatalities, as reported by local health officials, who combine both civilian and combatant casualties. The current negotiations assert that during the initial 42-day cease-fire, Hamas agreed to free 33 of the remaining 97 hostages in Gaza, contingent on certain conditions from both sides. Notably, the release of Yehud had faced delays, prompting Israel to restrict the return of thousands of displaced Palestinians to their northern homes.
Mediators succeeded in securing a commitment for Yehud's release, which has now prompted the Israeli military to facilitate the return of displaced individuals, as per the terms of the ongoing cease-fire agreement.
