Hamas has freed fourteen Israeli hostages, nine of whom were minors.
Four-year-old Abigail Idan, who holds both US and Israeli citizenship, and eight other kids are among those set free.
Additionally, three foreign nationals were turned over to the Red Cross.
Israel’s jail service reports that in return, 39 Palestinian inmates have been freed.
The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has paused for four days, and today is the third of those days.
Every day, Hamas has exchanged hostages for Palestinian inmates that Israel has freed.
During the ceasefire, Gazans have been able to obtain much-needed supplies of food, gasoline, and medication.
1,200 people were killed in Hamas attacks on October 7, and another 240 more were taken hostage. Since then, Israel’s retaliation campaign has claimed the lives of almost 14,500 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which is governed by Hamas.
Hamas claims it wants to see the present cease-fire in Gaza extended, which could result in more hostages being freed.
As per the existing agreement, Monday is the last day of the truce.
According to a statement, Hamas is “seeking to extend the truce after the end of the four days through seriously trying to increase the number of hostages released as stipulated in the humanitarian truce deal” .
The BBC has also been informed by a senior Palestinian official who is acquainted with the Qatari negotiations that Hamas is willing to prolong the ceasefire by two to four days, with the possibility of the release of an additional twenty to forty Israeli prisoners.
The latest halt, which started on Friday, calls for the release of 150 Palestinian inmates in exchange for the release of 50 Israeli hostages over the course of four days.
Regarding this most recent declaration from Hamas, we have not heard back from the Israeli government. Though it has also stressed the respite will only be short and pledged to destroy Hamas, it has previously stated the truce may be extended if at least 10 Israelis are freed each day.
BBC
