In Gaza, the first groups of Israelis and Palestinians were released under a brokered agreement. This agreement brought about a four-day pause in fighting, with both sides committing to freeing hostages as a gesture of goodwill.
The deal has seen the release of 13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens, and one Filipino citizen from Gaza, along with 39 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons.
Hostage Releases Mark First Day of Ceasefire
The released of Hamas hostages represent the initial phase of a broader plan, with a total of 50 hostages scheduled to be freed during the four-day ceasefire. The truce also encompasses the gradual release of Palestinian prisoners.
Aid shipments, including essential fuel from Egypt, have already begun arriving in Gaza, providing relief to the embattled region.
Israel’s defense minister, however, has indicated that the pause in hostilities is temporary, vowing to resume the fight forcefully once the truce concludes. He anticipates at least two more months of intense battle.
On the diplomatic front between Hamas, Egypt has expressed satisfaction with the initial day of the truce. Diaa Rashwan, the chairman of Egypt’s State Information Service, highlighted Israel’s agreement to halt surveillance drone flights over Gaza during the truce as a positive factor contributing to the truce’s success.
Increased deliveries of medical supplies, food, and fuel to Gaza have also been cited as crucial elements in maintaining the ceasefire.
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UN Delivers Largest Aid to Gaza Since Hamas Attack
The United Nations played a significant role in facilitating humanitarian aid, with 137 trucks delivering supplies to Gaza, marking the largest such convoy since the total blockade imposed by Israel after the October 7 Hamas attack.
Egypt also permitted 134 Palestinians stranded in Egypt to return to the Gaza Strip at their request.
As the released Palestinians returned to their hometowns and villages in Jerusalem and the West Bank, joyous celebrations unfolded. Videos obtained by CNN depict released prisoners being paraded through the streets, carried on people’s shoulders, with crowds waving both the Palestinian flag and that of Hamas.
The demographics of those released include 22 women, two girls, and 15 teenage boys up to the age of 18, the youngest being 14.
The agreement and subsequent actions mark a significant step toward de-escalation, albeit with an acknowledgment from Israel of the temporary nature of the truce, hinting at the possibility of renewed hostilities in the near future.
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