Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to exchange hostages, bringing a moment of hope amid the ongoing conflict that began on October 7, when the Palestinian Islamist militant group terrorists launched their surprise attack on communities near the Gaza border, murdering hundreds, from babies to young partygoers.
The attacks initiated the current conflict almost exactly 50 years after the Yom Kippur War began on 6 October 1973.
The first 13 Israeli hostages were freed from captivity Friday as part of the captive exchange deal, Hamas also released 12 Thai nationals who were being held hostage.
A pause in fighting in Gaza went into effect Friday morning — the first respite in seven weeks of war — as aid trucks entered the Palestinian enclave and people in southern Gaza ventured out, filling streets after weeks of fighting and Israeli airstrikes.
Fifty hostages are expected to be freed over a four-day pause in fighting in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israel under the agreement, which resulted from weeks of Qatar-mediated negotiations, bringing hope to many families.
The tentative release was initially scheduled for Thursday, but the Israel National Security Council announced a delay, citing “fairly minor implementation details.” No hostages are expected to be released before Friday.
Families of the more than 200 hostages held by militants have pressured Israel for their release. Israel has said that for every 10 hostages released after the first 50, the pause in fighting would be extended for an additional day.
The list of potential Palestinian prisoners for release was published by the Israeli government, encompassing 300 individuals. The charges against them range from throwing stones to more severe offenses like attempted murder and membership in terror organizations. Notably, most eligible prisoners are male teenagers aged 16 to 18, with 33 women included.
Hamas clarified that the agreement also involves the entry of aid relief, medical supplies, and fuel into the besieged Gaza territory.
One aspect of the story highlights the emotional toll on families separated by conflict. Radio Ajyal in Ramallah has been a conduit for families to connect with detained relatives. The station receives voice notes from callers, expressing love and longing for their incarcerated family members, providing a poignant glimpse into the human side of this geopolitical struggle.
Among the families eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones is Iman Barghouti’s. Her sister-in-law Hannan, a Palestinian activist, is on the list for potential release. Iman’s husband, Nael, the longest-serving Palestinian political prisoner, is not among those listed, but there is a glimmer of hope for his eventual freedom.
The current deal follows a recent uptick in arrests, with over 8,300 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The majority, more than 3,000, are held under “administrative detention,” without knowledge of charges or a legal process. The surge in arrests, according to Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, indicates Israel’s preparation for a potential hostage deal.
Hamas holds 236 hostages in Gaza, including foreign nationals from 26 countries. The abductions occurred during the October 7 attacks, resulting in at least 1,200 casualties. While four hostages have been freed, more are anticipated to be released in stages over the next four days, with the possibility of additional releases depending on the evolving situation.
As the world awaited the release of hostages at Egypt’s Rafah crossing amid a temporary cease-fire Friday, the prime ministers of Belgium and Spain held a joint briefing at the crossing to call for a permanent cease-fire, prompting blowback from some who accused them of capitalizing on the hostage release they had not helped negotiate.
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