Hamas has released another group of hostages. According to the army, 13 people are already in Israel and four are on their way to Egypt. In return, Israel released 39 young people from prison.
The third group of freed Islamist Hamas hostages has left the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli military. Red Cross representatives handed over twelve hostages to security forces at the border fence with Israel, the army announced on Sunday. Another hostage – an 84-year-old woman – was taken to an Israeli clinic in life-threatening condition, several Israeli media reported, citing the hospital in Beersheba.
According to Israeli television, the Israelis were nine children and four women. At the same time, three foreigners and an Israeli were initially taken across the border into Egypt and then on to Israel. According to media reports, there are three Thais and one Russian-Israeli citizen. They were not part of the agreement negotiated by Israel and Hamas.
The Red Cross confirmed the handover of the 17 hostages.
The Israeli prison authority has again released a group of 39 Palestinians as part of a deal between Israel and the Islamist Hamas. They were released from several prisons during the evening, the Israeli prison authorities announced on Sunday evening. According to Palestinian reports, there were 39 male youths under the age of 19.
According to reports, there was also a prisoner from the Gaza Strip among them. He was released at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, according to prison authorities. The remaining freedmen were expected in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. A large crowd gathered in Ramallah to welcome her.
Dozens of hostages still in the hands of Hamas
However, dozens of hostages are still in the hands of Hamas. The currently ongoing break in fighting is expected to last at least until Tuesday morning. According to the agreement between Israel and Hamas, a total of 50 Israeli hostages will initially be released during this time. In addition, 14 Thais and one Filipino citizen, among others, had already been released.
Deal between Hamas and Israel
Between fear and relief: This is how the hostages were received on their return
An extension of the ceasefire to up to ten days and further releases should be possible, as the Gulf Emirate of Qatar, which is mediating in the conflict, announced.
Worst massacre in Israel’s history
The latest Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel’s history, which terrorists from the Gaza Strip committed on October 7th in Israel near the border. More than 1,200 people were killed. Around 240 hostages were taken to Gaza, including several Germans.
Israel responded with massive airstrikes, a blockade of the Gaza Strip and began a ground offensive in late October. According to the Islamist Hamas, almost 15,000 people were killed. More than 36,000 were injured. The numbers cannot currently be independently verified.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated several times.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
