Israel Says 17 hostages, 39 Palestinians Freed Under Truce Deal
On the third day of the truce between Israel and Hamas, the militant group announced that it had released 13 Israeli hostages, three Thai nationals, and a person with Russian citizenship held in the Gaza Strip.
The handover took place through the Red Cross. This move follows the recent release of 39 Palestinian prisoners by Israel in previous days of the truce.
The truce, lasting four days, marks the first cessation of hostilities in seven weeks, a period that began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7.
Israel Says 17 hostages:
In response to the original attack, Israel has been laboriously pursuing the destruction of Hamas zealots in Gaza, conducting airstrikes and a ground descent in the north.
The conflict has redounded in the death of 1,200 people, with around 240 hostages taken back into Gaza. Israel says 17 hostages Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to the Gaza Strip, emphasized the determination to achieve the pretensions of the war.
He stated, “ Nothing will stop us, and we're convinced that we've the strength, the power, the will, and the determination to achieve all the pretensions of the war, and that's what we will do.
Despite these challenges, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed optimism about the potential release of a U.S. hostage held in Gaza.
Israel says 17 hostages:Thirteen Israelis and four Thai nationals were repatriated to Israel after the second release of hostages by Hamas, following a delay related to a dispute over aid delivery into Gaza.
Mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar played a crucial role in maintaining the truce.
On a somber note, the armed wing of Hamas reported the death of four of its military commanders in the Gaza Strip, including Ahmad Al Ghandour, the commander of the North Gaza brigade. The timing of their deaths was not specified.
Efforts are underway by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to extend the truce beyond Monday, although it remains uncertain whether an extension will be achieved.
