Click to see full-size image. (The Israeli Defense Forces)
On November 24 afternoon, the Hamas Movement released the first group of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip, fulfilling one part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel.
The hostages, 13 women and children, were first handed over to the International Committee for Red Cross. After a brief medical examination at a hospital in the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, they were taken to Egypt via the Rafah border crossing.
Later, the hostages will be taken by the Israeli military from Egypt to Hatzerim Air Base in southern Israel for an initial reception. They will remain for up to two hours at the air base before being taken to a hospital, either by helicopter or minibus. Those who need immediate medical attention will be taken straight from the border to a hospital, without going to Hatzerim.
Palestinian media reported that several Israeli drones flew over southern Gaza during the release of the hostages in a violation of the agreement with Hamas.
In addition to the Israeli hostages, Hamas released 12 Thai workers who were also being held in Gaza. Hebrew media said that they crossed the border into Israel and are currently en route to Assaf Harofeh Hospital in central Israel.
From its side, Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners, all women or children, from Ofer Prison in the West Bank. Israeli police prevented the media from covering the release of the prisoners.
The temporary ceasefire in Gaza, which was brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, started in the morning and is expected to last for four days.
During the ceasefire, Hamas will release 50 out of more than 240 Israeli who were taken hostages during the October 7 surprise attack. In exchange for their release, some 150 Palestinians prisoners will be freed from Israeli jails. In addition, hundreds of trucks loaded with food and medical supplies as well as food will be allowed into Gaza.
Efforts are reportedly underway to extend the ceasefire, secure the release of more hostages and facilitate the entry of more aid to Gaza.
Aside from an incident during which two Palesitnains were shot and killed by Israeli troops while attempting to return to their homes in northern Gaza, the first day of the ceasefire was a success. This will likely encourage both sides to extend it.
it was no success for those two palestinians trying to go home. how many others will have the same kind if success attempting to go home?
all 39 palestinian prisoners were women and children. no wonder those cowards prevented the media covering this prisoner exchange.
agree and their reluctance to have media cover of the exchange indicates that israel may choose to conduct a false flag at the expense of hostages. they have no intension of ending their slaughter and they have said as much.
apart from idf flying drones, and killing civilians, it went swellingly well. what a lot of bollix jews, like yanks, cannot be trusted to hold their end of a deal, so why bother negotiating. as for the released palestinians, they’re sent from one prison to an open air one, under bombardment, what a sweet deal they got