Militant groups in Gaza have announced their intention to release three hostages tomorrow, following the terms established in the ceasefire agreement with Israel.
According to Hamas, the hostages are Iair Horn, US-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Russian-Israeli Alexandre Sasha Troufanov.
This announcement comes after several days of uncertainty surrounding the durability of last month’s ceasefire, amidst extensive mediation efforts from Egyptian and Qatari representatives to maintain the agreement.
A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated that Israel has accepted the list of hostages.
Last month, the militant group committed to releasing 33 Israeli hostages, which include women, children, and elderly men, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, while Israeli forces would withdraw from certain positions in Gaza.
The truce was designed to pave the way for a second phase of discussions aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages and finalizing Israel’s withdrawal before a complete resolution to the conflict and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Concerns regarding the viability of the agreement intensified following US President Donald Trump’s statement advocating for the permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza and the transfer of the territory to the United States for redevelopment.
The release of Israeli hostages has provided much-needed relief for families on both sides of the conflict.
However, the frail condition of the captives released last week has provoked outrage within Israel and beyond.
The frail condition of the Israeli captives released last week has provoked outrage within Israel and beyond.
The Red Cross has voiced concerns regarding the well-being of those still detained in Gaza.
“The recent release operations highlight the pressing need for ICRC access to those being held hostage,” the International Committee of the Red Cross, which has facilitated the exchanges, stated.
“We remain deeply concerned about the conditions faced by the hostages.”
Following Hamas’s handover ceremony, where captives were compelled to speak, the ICRC has called for a more private and dignified handover process this time.
Former Prime Minister expresses cautious hope for hostages’ release
A former Israeli prime minister expressed that he is “not confident” but “hopeful” regarding the release of the hostages tomorrow.
During an interview on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Ehud Olmert remarked that he does not believe the current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, seeks to end the conflict.
“It appears evident that Hamas will be willing to agree on terms that would facilitate the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for an end to the war and a planned Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
“In that case, there is a possibility that Hamas would release all hostages, whether alive or deceased.
“What are the chances that the Israeli Prime Minister will pursue that course of action? I have serious doubts.”
He further suggested that Mr. Netanyahu is “knowingly” endangering the lives of the remaining hostages.
“He is viewed as the greatest failure in Israel’s history,” Mr. Olmert added.
Latest Middle East developments
After 15 months of conflict, Gaza remains in ruins, and the path to its reconstruction is uncertain.
Israel launched an invasion of the coastal enclave following Hamas-led assaults on Israeli communities on 7 October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals according to Israeli sources, alongside the abduction of over 250 individuals.
According to figures from the Palestinian health ministry, more than 48,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza.
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