GAZA CITY: As the ceasefire remains in effect in the ravaged Gaza Strip, Hamas is set to release a second group of hostages as part of the agreed-upon exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The four-day truce, started one days ago, has largely brought a halt to Israeli bombardments that killed more than 14,854 Palestinians, mostly children and women.
Israeli prison authorities announced that 42 Palestinian inmates, both men and women, will be released as part of the exchange, following the condition of a three-to-one ratio. Israeli sources have indicated that 13 hostages will be handed over in this round.
Hostage-Prisoner Releases After Gaza Truce
This development follows the initial exchange that took place on Friday, marking the commencement of the temporary truce. During the first exchange, Hamas released 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis. Additionally, ten Thais and one Filipino, who were unexpectedly freed, were part of the initial release.
A video released by Hamas showed masked men handing over hostages to the Red Cross. In return, Israel released 39 Palestinian women and children from its prisons.
As the truce continues, Hamas is expected to release a total of 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, following an agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The process aims to restore a semblance of normalcy and stability in the region after weeks of intense conflict.
