A latest indication shows that a fragile ceasefire has paused fighting in Gaza strip. This follows Hamas led militants to free three Israeli hostages on Saturday, and in return the Israeli forces are releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as many as 369.
Before releasing the hostages, Hamas militants in the southern Gaza strip paraded them before a crowd. The three hostages are Iair Horn, 46, who is a dual citizen of Israel-Argentina, Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, and American-Israeli, Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 29, a Russian-Israeli. The hostages were transferred to the red cross, in Tel Aviv’s hostages square. They were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a hard hit community in the October 7, 2023 attack which led to the war. They are released from captivity after nearly two years. Three men were released last Saturday too.
Hamas said that it will release more hostages after holding discussions with Egyptian and Qatari officials. Israel has begun releasing 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. This includes 36 who are serving life sentences over deadly attacks. The first bus carrying the prisoners arrived in the West Bank town of Betunia.
The ceasefire took effect from January 19. As many as 21 hostages and 731 Palestinian prisoners have been freed by Israel during the first phase of the truce before Saturday.
251 people were abducted by Hamas on Oct 7 attack, 73 of them are in Gaza and half of them are believed to be dead. All of them are men, mostly Israeli soldiers. And it appears that the ceasefire may collapse as Hamas accuses Israel of not adhering to its agreement. Hamas says that Israel is not allowing enough shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing ruble. Israel says that it will resume fighting back unless hostages were freed and if the war resumes the Hamas won’t release any more hostages. The militant group still remains in control of the territory.
The Israel-Hamas war has killed over 48,000 Palestinians which includes mostly women and children. Upon return back home, one only finds ruble.