Hamas releases new group of hostages – Analysis

The armed wing of Hamas has handed over a new group of captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The hostages, consisting of 20 individuals, have been transferred back to Israel through the Palestinian enclave’s border with Egypt, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The IDF has confirmed the exchange, but stated that the information they have suggests that there were only 17 abductees transferred, including 13 Israelis and four individuals with Thai citizenship. An elite unit of the IDF and the Shin Bet are accompanying the returning abductees, who will receive a medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

The prisoner swap was delayed earlier due to accusations by Hamas that Israel had violated the deal. However, the exchange ultimately took place within the context of a humanitarian pause. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari stated that the release of prisoners was facilitated through Qatari-Egyptian contacts with both sides.

On the first day of the four-day ceasefire, Hamas released 24 of approximately 240 hostages. Israel reciprocated by freeing 39 Palestinians. The captives released by Hamas consisted of 13 Israelis, ten individuals from Thailand, and one from the Philippines.

According to the ceasefire terms, Hamas has agreed to release one Israeli hostage for every three Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails. Israel’s prison service is preparing for the release of an additional 42 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas is expected to exchange 14 Israelis and several foreigners. Throughout the four-day truce, it is anticipated that Hamas will release around 50 Israeli captives, while Israel will hand over 150 Palestinians, all of whom are women and children. Israel has also indicated that the ceasefire can be extended by a day for every ten hostages freed by Hamas.

Source: RT news: Hamas releases new group of hostages