Hamas-Israel deal: Thirteen Israelis, four Thais released
In the latest development of the delicate negotiations between Israel and Hamas, thirteen Israelis and four Thai citizens were successfully released from Hamas captivity. This marks the second hostage release as part of an agreement between the two parties and falls within a four-day ceasefire, as reported by Reuters.
The freed hostages were seen on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing after leaving Gaza. Hamas handed over the prisoners to the International Committee of the Red Cross late on Saturday.
Of the thirteen Israelis released, six were women, and seven were children and teenagers. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement, saying, "The released hostages are heading to hospitals in Israel, where they will reunite with their families."
In a reciprocal move, Israel released 39 Palestinians, including six women and 33 minors, from two prisons, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA. Some of the released Palestinians arrived at Al-Bireh municipal square in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where thousands of citizens awaited them, as reported by a Reuters witness.
This exchange follows a previous release by Hamas, where thirteen Israelis, some with dual citizenship, along with ten Thais and one Filipino citizen – agricultural workers employed in southern Israel – were freed.
A Palestinian official familiar with diplomatic movements stated that Hamas intends to maintain the ceasefire, marking the first cessation of hostilities since Hamas fighters infiltrated southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties and approximately 240 hostages.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
