Hamas has set free 24 hostages who were held captive in Gaza for nearly seven weeks, and Israel has released 39 Palestinian prisoners. This development occurred shortly after a truce between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, went into effect.
Among the released captives were 13 Israelis, 10 Thai nationals, and one Filipino citizen, as reported by Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry in Qatar, Al Jazeera reported.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transportation of the captives from Gaza to the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
“We are relieved to confirm the safe release of 24 hostages,” stated the ICRC on social media.
The deal involves a four-day truce and the exchange of captives, with Palestinians held in Israeli prisons being released. The Israeli captives, which included four children and six elderly women according to a list from the Israeli prime minister’s office, underwent an initial medical examination upon their return to Israeli territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed the government’s commitment to the return of all remaining captives, the report said.
In a video statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasised the commitment to bringing back all remaining captives.
Qatar reported that 39 Palestinian women and children, who were detained in Israeli jails, were released as part of the same agreement. Israel confirmed the release of 39 prisoners in accordance with the deal.
