GAZA CITY: Following the devastating seven-week Israeli bombardments that killed over 14,854 Palestinians, the Gaza Strip is experiencing a fragile calm as the second day of a four-day truce appears to hold. The truce has allowed for a series of hostage-prisoner exchanges between Hamas and Israel, marking a step towards easing tensions in the region.
Israeli prison authorities have confirmed that 42 Palestinian inmates, mostly women and children, are to be freed under the terms of the agreement, with an exchange ratio of three to one. In response, Hamas is expected to release a total of 50 hostages during the truce, as part of a broader agreement involving talks with Israel, Palestinian groups, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
The first exchange, which took place on the first day of the truce, saw the release of 24 hostages by Hamas. Among them were 13 Israelis, along with ten Thais and one Filipino who were unexpectedly freed. The releases have brought both relief and joy to families who had feared the worst for their loved ones. Israel, in turn, has freed 39 innocent Palestinian women and children from its prisons.
Despite the positive developments, approximately 215 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza, their fate unknown in many cases. The international community, including the United States, has cautiously welcomed the progress, with President Joe Biden stating, “It is only a start, but so far it is gone well,” expressing optimism about extending the truce.
Dire Situation in Gaza Following Israeli Bombardments
The truce has also allowed for a humanitarian convoy to enter Gaza, bringing much-needed aid, including fuel, food, and medicine. This marks a significant relief for the people of Gaza, who have been struggling under near-total siege conditions, with shortages of essential supplies.
Since October 7, the Israeli military has launched a campaign of relentless bombardments, targeting schools, markets, refugee camps, and hospitals in the besieged Palestinian enclave. So far, over 14,854 innocent Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip. “The victims include 6,150 Palestinian children and over 4,000 Palestinian women, while more than 36,000 people have been injured.”
Moreover, around 7,000 people remain unaccounted for, including more than 4,700 children, the media office said. The Israeli attacks have also destroyed 88 mosques and partially damaged 174 others, while three churches were also targeted.
