On the fifth day of the Gaza truce, Hamas releases 12 hostages, while Israel frees 30 Palestinian prisoners.
By yourNEWS Media Staff
Amid the ongoing Gaza truce, Hamas released 12 hostages, while Israel set free 30 Palestinian prisoners on Tuesday. This exchange marks the fifth day of a six-day ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed the transfer of the 12 hostages from Gaza. The Israeli military stated that the group, comprising 10 Israeli citizens and two foreign nationals, is now under the care of its special forces on Israeli soil.
These hostages were part of about 240 people captured by Hamas during an incursion into southern Israel on October 7, where Israel reported 1,200 fatalities. In response, Israel’s strikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza have resulted in over 15,000 deaths, as reported by local health authorities.
Al Jazeera televised the departure of a bus carrying Palestinian prisoners from Israel’s Ofer Prison in the West Bank. Israel disclosed the release of 30 detainees from Ofer and a detention center in Jerusalem, as per the Palestinian Prisoner’s Club.
The freed Palestinians reached Ramallah and Jerusalem, as reported by Al Jazeera. A spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, involved in mediating the conflict, mentioned that the released Israeli hostages included nine women and one minor. Some hostages were handed over by the Al Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement.
The truce has paused seven weeks of intense conflict, potentially extending beyond its initial deadline to facilitate further releases. Israel has indicated the possibility of extending the truce, conditional on the continued release of Israeli hostages by Hamas.
Since the truce’s commencement last Friday, Hamas has released a total of 81 hostages, including 60 Israelis and 21 foreign nationals. Prior to Tuesday’s event, Israel had already released 150 prisoners.
On Tuesday, Israel and Hamas largely refrained from hostilities, with both sides expressing hope for extending the ceasefire. A meeting in Qatar involving spy chiefs from Israel’s Mossad and the United States’ CIA focused on future negotiations.
However, the truce faced a setback with the detonation of three explosive devices near Israeli troops in northern Gaza, and an exchange of fire injuring several soldiers, as reported by Israel’s military.
Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi of the Israeli armed forces emphasized their readiness to continue combat if necessary. The truce has allowed Gazans to search for missing persons and bury their dead amidst widespread destruction. Abu Shamaleh from Khan Younis, mourning 37 family members, underscored the importance of the truce for honoring the deceased.
Among the Israeli hostages yet to be released are 10-month-old Kfir Bibas and his family, captured on October 7. Jimmy Miller, a family member, expressed their anguish and sleepless nights awaiting their return.
With the potential resumption of warfare, Israel plans to intensify its military operations, while the U.S. urges caution in civilian protection. The conflict has severely impacted Gaza’s healthcare system, leading to a looming crisis as highlighted by the World Health Organization.