GAZA CITY: The Israel-Hamas truce, now extended for two days, is expected to see another round of releases Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as both parties attempt to navigate a temporary cessation of hostilities. This marks a pause in the devastating Israeli bombardments in Gaza, offering a glimpse of hope after seven weeks of conflict.
A source close to the Palestinian resistance group Hamas informed AFP news agency that the Tuesday’s exchange would involve the release of 10 Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners to be released from Israeli prisons. The lists for these exchanges were reportedly agreed upon without objections, signaling a cooperative effort under the truce extension.
Hamas Expected to Release Foreign Nationals
In addition to these releases, the source mentioned that “some foreign workers held in Gaza” would also be freed. The first phase of the truce extension passed its deadline without major incidents, witnessing the release of Israeli hostages from Gaza and the liberation of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
However, an incident occurred when Israeli tank fire was reported three times in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City as Palestinian civilians attempted to return to their homes during the pause in hostilities.
The Israeli military described the shelling as “warning shots,” and at least one person was reported injured. Throughout the truce, both Hamas and UN officials have reported instances where Israeli fire resulted in casualties, underscoring the delicate nature of the current ceasefire.
