Red Cross confirms release: 12 hostages transferred from Gaza
In the fifth day of the extended ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, Hamas released 12 hostages from Gaza, while Israel reciprocated by freeing 30 Palestinian detainees, as reported by News.ro.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed the transfer of the hostages, including 10 Israelis and two foreigners, onto Israeli territory. The hostages, mostly elderly women and a teenager, were among the approximately 240 captured during Hamas' surprise assault on southern Israel on October 7.
The released hostages were part of the group captured during the October assault, with some handed over by the Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian movement Islamic Jihad. This introduces another militant group from Gaza into the ceasefire equation, distinct from Hamas.
The ceasefire, providing a respite after seven weeks of intense conflict, brought relief to Gaza, which witnessed widespread destruction. Although the ceasefire was initially set to expire on Tuesday night, both parties agreed to extend the pause until Thursday morning to facilitate the release of more hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
Israel indicated the potential for further ceasefire extensions, contingent on Hamas releasing at least 10 Israeli hostages daily. However, with fewer women and children in captivity, maintaining the ceasefire beyond Wednesday may necessitate negotiations for the release of male Israeli hostages, marking a shift in dynamics.
The total number of hostages released by Hamas since the beginning of the ceasefire last Friday now stands at 81, including 60 Israelis (all women and children) and 21 foreigners, many of whom are Thai agricultural workers. In return, Israel released 180 Palestinian detainees.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
