Qatar mediates successful release of hostages in Israel-Hamas conflict
Israel is examining the list of hostages slated for release on Saturday by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Officials confirmed the reception of the list after the release of 24 hostages the day before, marking the first step in a planned four-day ceasefire, as reported by Reuters.
Israeli security officials are currently analysing the list, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The government has pledged to work towards the release of all hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7th attack on Israel.
This lull in hostilities is unprecedented, with both parties indicating that fighting will resume once the ceasefire concludes. However, President Joe Biden expressed hope for a possible extension of the pause.
The freed hostages, including Israeli women and children, as well as Thai agricultural workers, were transported from Gaza to the Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing. The International Committee of the Red Cross supervised the transfer, which involved four vehicles.
Subsequently, the hostages were brought to Israel for medical examinations and reunions with their families.
Qatar, acting as a mediator for the ceasefire agreement, reported the release of 13 Israelis, some with dual citizenship, along with 10 Thais and one Filipino citizen—agricultural workers captured in southern Israel.
Additionally, 39 Palestinian women and children detainees were released from Israeli prisons.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
