Israel has agreed to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 minors, reversing an earlier decision to delay the exchange. This move follows the release of three Israeli and five Thai hostages by Hamas under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire.
Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's initial suspension of the prisoner release due to security concerns during a chaotic handover in southern Gaza, mediation efforts have paved the way for the third round of hostage-prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas.
The latest exchange saw the release of Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, along with two more Israelis, Arbel Yahoud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80, and five Thai agricultural workers. The chaotic scenes in Gaza highlighted the delicate nature of the deal, as hundreds of Gazans gathered in anticipation.
Following the release, Netanyahu's office initially delayed the prisoner release, demanding safety guarantees for future exchanges. However, approximately an hour later, the exchange resumed after assurances were secured.
Public celebrations erupted at Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, where Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy, expressed optimism about the continuation of the deal. This exchange marks the third since the Gaza ceasefire began on January 19, with over 60 Israeli hostages and 290 Palestinian prisoners having been exchanged so far.
While Israel maintains that the ceasefire will not hinder its broader campaign against Hamas, mediators are working to extend the pause in fighting, demonstrating the fragile balance of the ongoing truce.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
