Hamas fighters have released three male hostages in the Gaza Strip while Israel has freed 183 Palestinians from Israeli prisons, marking a significant development in the ceasefire agreement that has brought an end to 15 months of intense conflict.
The hostages, Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon, and Keith Siegel, were released in separate events with the assistance of the Red Cross. The handover was conducted in an orderly manner, unlike a previous chaotic incident during a hostage release.
In Khan Younis, families eagerly awaited the arrival of the freed detainees, including Mohammad Halabi, whose father praised his humanitarian efforts. However, amidst the joy of reunion, there was also sadness as many returned to find their homes destroyed in the conflict.
In Tel Aviv, a large crowd gathered to witness the live transmission of the releases, reflecting the significance of the ceasefire in easing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
In another development, wounded Palestinians were allowed to travel to Egypt for medical treatment through the Rafah crossing, a crucial step towards providing aid to the devastated region.
The ceasefire agreement aims to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with plans for the release of more hostages and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The war had resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with many civilians losing their lives in the violence.
