CAIRO: As part of the ongoing truce agreement, Hamas is set to release a second group of Israelis today, with 13 hostages expected to be freed from Gaza, according to an Israeli military spokesman. The exchange involves the release of 39 Palestinian prisoners in return.
Egypt, which controls the Rafah border crossing facilitating the passage of vital aid into Gaza, has indicated positive signals from all parties regarding a potential extension of the four-day truce. Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), stated that extensive talks are underway to reach an agreement that would involve the release of more detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Hostage-Prisoner Releases After Gaza Truce
The existing truce deal outlines the exchange of 50 hostages for 150 Palestinian prisoners over four days. The first exchange occurred on Friday when a total of 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis, 10 Thai farm workers, and a Filipino, were freed by Hamas fighters. In response, Israel released 39 Palestinian women and teenagers from detention.
The released hostages appeared in good condition, bringing moments of relief to their families.
