Hamas released 11 Israeli captives held in Gaza and Israel released 33 Palestinian captives held in Israeli prisons on Monday, 27 November, marking the fourth hostage swap between the sides since the beginning of the truce on 24 November.
Three Palestinian women and 30 boys were released, while the group of Israelis released by Hamas consisted of dual nationals, with three French citizens, two German citizens, and six Argentinian citizens, according to Qatari officials.
Palestinian captives faced intimidation in Jerusalem, and journalists were forced to leave areas where releases were occurring, reported Palestinian state-run news agency WAFA.
The majority of released Palestinian captives held in Israeli prisons had not been charged with a crime, and CNN reported that 80 percent of those on Israel’s list for potential release were held without charge.
Over the four days of the truce, 50 Israelis and 19 foreign nationals were released by Hamas, and 150 Palestinians were released by Israel.
The truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which was nearing its end, was extended by an additional two days on 27 November.
The truce, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, faced a temporary setback during the second-day exchange, with Hamas accusing Israel of violating the terms of the agreement. Mediation efforts successfully resolved the issue, underscoring the fragility of the ongoing truce.
The situation remains tense, with both sides emphasizing their commitment to the truce but cautioning that the war is not yet over. As the ceasefire continues, the world watches closely.
THE CONFLICT SO FAR
After a surprise attack conducted on 7 October by Hamas on a number of southern Israeli towns, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,200 people and more than 220 being taken hostage by Hamas, Israel launched a retaliatory bombing campaign against what it describes as ‘terrorist targets’ in the Gaza Strip.
At least 14,500 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip — including at least 5,500 children — and over 32,000 others injured. Meanwhile, at least 225 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and more than 2,700 injured. The death toll is no longer being regularly updated due to the collapse of the enclave’s health system.
Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on 22 November, announcing a four-day cessation of hostilities to facilitate the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza, 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid. The truce began on 24 November.
During an event in support of Palestine at Cairo International Stadium, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed that the forced relocation of Palestinians is a “red line” for Egypt, and will not be accepted.
The priority of the Egyptian government since the beginning of the conflict has been deescalation and the securing of a path for aid to enter the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing.
Comments (0)