September, Friday 20, 2024

Hamas Finally Releases Additional Gaza Hostages after Extended Wait


46Y5mDpftyWQoH4.png

On Saturday, a second group of Israeli hostages was released from Hamas captivity, easing the anxiety of their families. The Israeli military announced that 13 Israelis were freed in Gaza, while Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank. The first releases began smoothly on Friday as part of a temporary four-day truce deal brokered by Qatar. Urgent talks ensured the handover on Saturday after hours of delay had heightened tensions. The Red Cross had been expected to receive the Israeli hostages at Gaza's border with Egypt at 16:00, but the Hamas armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed issues related to aid delivery and the selection criteria for exchanged prisoners caused the delay. Israel denied violating the terms of the deal and stated that the UN was responsible for delivering aid to the north of Gaza, which it describes as a war zone. A senior Palestinian official confirmed that the dispute had been resolved, with Hamas expressing appreciation towards Egypt and Qatar for securing the continuation of the temporary truce. Under the agreement, Hamas is set to release 50 Israeli hostages, including women and children, over four days in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. While the Israeli government says the truce could be extended if at least 10 Israelis are released daily, it also remains committed to eradicating Hamas and asserts that the deal is temporary. Hamas abducted approximately 240 people during its raid on southern Israel on October 7, causing 1,200 deaths, most of whom were civilians according to Israel. The Islamist group, which is backed by Iran, is classified as a "terrorist" organization by Israel, the UK, and the US. In response to the October 7 attack, Israel has relentlessly bombed Gaza, resulting in devastating damage to the region's infrastructure. Hamas claims that nearly 15,000 people, including many children, have died and emphasizes the urgent need for essential supplies like food, water, and hygiene kits. In Tel Aviv, approximately 50,000 people rallied in support of the hostages, expressing hope that the fragile truce would hold. The Israeli government identified the members of various families who were released on Saturday, including two teenagers from the Or family, two members each from the Weiss and Avigdori families, and four members of the Haran and Shoham families, including a three-year-old and an eight-year-old. Irish-Israeli Emily Hand, aged nine, was also among those released. Noam Sagi, son of 75-year-old hostage Ada Sagi, shared the family's anxiety and lack of trust in both sides. He emphasized the importance of the mechanism ensuring daily releases and the maintenance of the ceasefire. However, Ada Sagi was not among those freed on Saturday, causing mixed emotions for families who were reunited but longing for those still captured. Shahar Mor, a relative of the reunited Munder family, expressed the family's joy mixed with worry for his uncle, Abraham, whose well-being remains unknown. Among the 39 Palestinians released by Israel on Friday, 24 were women and 15 were teenage boys who were in pre-trial detention. One released Palestinian, Sarah al-Suwaisa, recounted the mistreatment they faced before their release, including teargas and a power outage. She commended Hamas for providing assistance during this time. A crowd gathered in Beitunia on Saturday to welcome the release of more Palestinians, with many displaying green Hamas flags.