ALBAWABA - In the unfolding developments of the humanitarian truce and hostage exchange declared on Friday, today marks the crucial third day of the agreement. Following a delayed implementation on the second day, the third stage of the hostage exchange is now in progress. According to reports from Egyptian media, the Red Cross has taken custody of 13 Israeli and 5 foreign hostages.
As part of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, the third group of prisoners was released by Hamas in the Gaza Strip on the third day of the 4-day humanitarian truce. The released individuals include 13 Israelis, 3 Thais, and 1 Russian, who were handed over to the Red Cross.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the information received from the Red Cross, stating that 14 Israelis and 3 foreign nationals have been transferred to the Red Cross. The freed Russian citizen is noted to hold dual citizenship in both Russia and Israel.
Later today, it is anticipated that Israel will release 39 Palestinian prisoners. Since the commencement of the humanitarian truce on November 24 at 07:00, Hamas has released 40 Israelis and 18 foreign nationals, while Israel has released 78 Palestinian detainees.
According to Al Jazeera, 13 individuals currently held in Gaza are expected to be released, with plans for the release of an additional 39 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.
In a previous incident on the second day of the hostage exchange, Hamas had announced a delay in the second phase until Israeli aid trucks were allowed into northern Gaza. However, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Majid al-Ansari, later confirmed the resolution of issues related to the hostage exchange, leading to the successful completion of the second stage following a brief delay.
The agreement between Israel and Hamas includes a 4-day humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip, during which 150 Palestinian inmates from Israeli prisons and 50 Israeli hostages from Gaza were set to be exchanged.
