Israeli officials confirmed receiving a list of hostages to be released from Gaza by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday.
This follows the release of 24 hostages the previous day, marking the initial step in a planned four-day truce.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office states that Israeli security officials are currently reviewing the list, reiterating their commitment to securing the release of all hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7 attack on Israel.
This temporary pause in hostilities is the first break in the conflict, with both sides acknowledging that hostilities could resume once the truce concludes.
While U.S. President Joe Biden expresses hope for a potential extension, the situation remains delicate.
The hostages released, including Israeli women and children, as well as Thai farm workers, were transferred from Gaza to Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing.
The International Committee of the Red Cross confirms that eight of its staff were part of the convoy overseeing this transfer.
Subsequently, the released hostages were taken to Israel for medical checks and emotional reunions with their relatives.
Qatar, acting as the mediator for the truce deal, discloses that 13 Israelis, some with dual nationality, along with 10 Thais and a Philippine national, were among those released. Notably, these individuals were farm workers employed in southern Israel when they were seized.
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In a reciprocal gesture, 39 Palestinian women and children, some convicted or detained on weapon charges and violent offenses, were released from Israeli jails. Among the freed Israeli hostages were four children accompanied by family members and five elderly women.
President Biden sees a real opportunity for extending the truce, emphasizing the critical need for humanitarian aid in Gaza. He refrains from speculating on the duration of the Israel-Hamas conflict but acknowledges the legitimacy and difficulty of Israel’s goal to eliminate Hamas.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society reports a substantial humanitarian aid convoy on Friday, comprising 196 trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies—the largest since the onset of the conflict.
During the truce, aid groups seized the opportunity to evacuate patients and health workers from severely impacted northern hospitals, and the World Health Organization facilitated the transfer of 22 patients from Al Ahli hospital to the south.
However, the emotions in Israel remain mixed, with families of hostages expressing relief for those released but also harboring concerns for those still held captive. The truce has allowed for reunions, but many anxiously await the return of their loved ones.
Thai farm worker Vetoon Phoome, previously thought to be deceased, delivered a message of survival to his family, describing his continued existence as a “miracle.” Meanwhile, the families of those not released express a mix of excitement for others and sadness for their ongoing wait.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see if the truce holds and if further progress can be made towards a lasting resolution.