Following Israel’s failure to release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners in a hostage exchange deal, a new agreement mediated by Egypt has been reached between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire currently in place allows for the release of the remaining hostages and 620 Palestinian prisoners, including 23 children and one woman.
Israel initially decided to postpone the release of these prisoners due to dissatisfaction with the treatment of hostages during previous exchanges and demanded assurances against “humiliation rituals” in future negotiations. The Palestinian Prisoners Association has raised alarms over the delay, citing the deaths of 69 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention since the Hamas-led attack on October 7.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through these delays and has stated that the next phase of negotiations cannot proceed until hostages are released. Egyptian officials have confirmed the agreement, with Israeli sources indicating that a release of four hostages could happen by Wednesday evening.
Currently, Hamas holds 63 hostages in Gaza, with reports suggesting that at least 32 of them may already be deceased. The ceasefire, lasting 42 days, is set to expire soon unless further agreements are made. Meanwhile, a funeral for a family from southern Israel, whose members were recently returned under the ceasefire, has drawn public mourning, exemplifying the emotional strain of the ongoing conflict.
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