Released Palestinian prisoner Qusai Taqatqa hugs his mother near his house, after a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel near Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank November 25,2023. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma
In the ongoing negotiations, Hamas is set to release a second group of Israelis on Saturday as part of an exchange deal involving 50 hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Egypt has indicated the potential extension of the four-day truce by one or two days. The Israeli military anticipates the release of 13 hostages on Saturday, with 39 Palestinian prisoners set to be released in return.
Egypt, overseeing the Rafah border crossing crucial for aid passage into Gaza, has expressed optimism about extending the truce, receiving positive signals from all involved parties. Discussions are underway to secure an agreement leading to the release of more detainees in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The initial exchange, occurring on Friday, saw the release of 24 hostages by Hamas—13 Israelis, 10 Thai farm workers, and a Filipino. In reciprocation, Israel released 39 Palestinian women and teenagers from detention.
As the truce holds, both sides acknowledge the likelihood of resumed hostilities once the ceasefire concludes. However, U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed optimism about the potential extension of the truce.
Israel, vowing to dismantle Hamas, has been engaged in a conflict that originated when Hamas fighters breached security barriers around the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of 1,200 people and the capture of around 240 hostages. The ensuing Israeli response has led to approximately 14,000 casualties in Gaza, with about 40% of them being children, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The temporary pause in hostilities has allowed residents of Gaza to navigate their surroundings safely, assess the devastation, and access much-needed aid. The truce has facilitated the deployment of aid trucks carrying food, water, shelter equipment, and medical supplies, particularly in northern Gaza. Additionally, a U.N. convoy delivered aid to shelters for displaced people in northern Gaza.
While the truce provides a brief respite, residents express a desire for a more lasting peace, emphasizing the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to secure a sustainable resolution amid the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region.
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