In a significant development amidst the ongoing conflict, Hamas has released three Israeli hostages as part of a fragile Gaza ceasefire agreement. The latest exchange follows Israel's release of 183 Palestinian prisoners, marking the fifth such swap under the truce brokered with support from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.
Jubilant crowds in Tel Aviv watched live as the hostages were presented in Deir el-Balah, only to be met with shock at their weakened condition. \"He looked like a skeleton. It was awful to see,\" said Michal Cohen, family member of one of the released hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, \"The shocking images that we have seen today will not go unaddressed,\" signaling a firm stance despite the progress in hostage exchanges.
This exchange brings the total of released hostages to 16 Israeli and five Thai individuals, alongside the release of 766 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The 42-day ceasefire, now three weeks in place, has been upheld despite concerns that political moves may jeopardize the delicate balance.
U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to transform Gaza into the \"Riviera of the Middle East\" was met with rejection from Arab states and Palestinian groups, heightening fears of a potential collapse in the truce before all hostages are freed. Despite this, Netanyahu welcomed the intervention, and plans are underway to allow Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza to do so.
Under the agreement, 33 Israeli children, women, and elderly men are slated for release in an initial phase in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations for the second phase are ongoing, aiming to secure the remaining hostages' release and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, paving the way for an end to the conflict.
Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, the region has witnessed intense violence. Israel’s retaliatory air and ground operations in Gaza have claimed over 47,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health authorities, devastating the narrow enclave.
Reference(s):
Hamas frees three more Israeli hostages amid fragile Gaza truce
cgtn.com
