Hamas frees 13 Israeli, 4 Thai Hostages in Temporary Truce
Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages and four Thai nationals in a temporary truce, marking the second phase of a deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. The release, however, faced a brief hurdle over a dispute concerning aid delivery into Gaza.
The fragility of the agreement to release a total of 50 hostages held by Palestinian groups and 150 prisoners in Israeli jails over four days became apparent during this disagreement.
Television footage captured the hostages on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing after departing Gaza.
Hamas frees 13 Israeli:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the released hostages were en route to hospitals in Israel, where they would reunite with their families.
In return, Israel released 39 Palestinians, including six women and 33 minors, from two prisons, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
Despite the temporary setback, a Palestinian official involved in diplomatic efforts affirmed that Hamas intended to continue the truce. This truce marked the first halt in fighting since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and hostages.
The release on Saturday followed a previous exchange where Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages, including children and the elderly, in exchange for 39 Palestinian women and young individuals from Israeli prisons. On a previous occasion, Hamas also released a Philippine national and 10 Thai farm workers.
The agreement faced the risk of derailing when Hamas’ armed wing announced a delay in releases, demanding that Israel meet all truce conditions, including allowing aid trucks into northern Gaza.
Hamas frees 13 Israeli:The IDF countered Hamas’ claims, stating that the United Nations and international organizations were responsible for aid distribution inside Gaza.
