“The brigades of Ezzedine al-Qassam (Izadin Qassam) in the (southern) city of Khan Yunis have begun handing over the second group of Israeli prisoners to the Red Cross. There are 14 of them,” said the source, referring to Hamas’ armed wing.
Earlier, Israeli officials announced that on Saturday, the second day of the ceasefire agreement, 14 hostages held in the Gaza Strip since the October 7 attacks by Hamas and 42 Palestinians imprisoned in the Jewish state would be released.
The prison administration said 42 male and female prisoners would be freed under the terms of the deal, which calls for a three-for-one prisoner exchange, while an Israeli official source said 14 hostages would be handed over to the country.
On the first day of the ceasefire on Friday, Hamas released 24 hostages, 13 Jewish or dual-citizen women and children, 10 Thais and a Filipino, according to Qatari and Israeli sources.
A two-minute video released by Hamas shows masked fighters with guns, military uniforms and green headbands handing the hostages over to Red Cross officials.
In return, Israel released 39 women and minors from prisons.
About 215 hostages remained in Gaza after the handover of the first group, Israeli military spokesman Doron Spielman said.
“In most cases, we don’t know if they are alive or dead. We are trying to collect data,” he said.
Hamas militants took hostages on October 7 when they stormed the Gaza border with Israel, killing about 1,200. people, according to figures provided by the Jewish state.
In response to the deadliest attack in the country’s history, Israel launched an air, artillery and naval offensive to destroy Hamas. According to the Hamas government in Gaza, about 15,000 people died there. people.
During the truce, Hamas is expected to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, according to an agreement reached during negotiations involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and the United States.
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2024-09-01 14:45:11
