Hamas Releases Second Group of Israeli Hostages
Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages
Hamas has agreed to release a second group of Israeli hostages, following initial delays.
The terror group had claimed that Israel had not complied with the terms of the deal and had not delivered enough aid to Gaza.
Hostage Release Details
Qatari and Egyptian mediators say Hamas has agreed to release 13 Israelis and seven “foreigners” on Saturday in exchange for 39 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
The Israelis to be released from Gaza include eight children and five women. Those to be released from Israeli prisons comprise 33 children and six women.
First Group of Hostages Released
On the first day of the four-day ceasefire, Hamas released 24 of the roughly 240 hostages taken during its October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison.
Hamas Delays Release of Hostages
However, Hamas then delayed the release of a second group of hostages, claiming that Israel had not complied with the deal’s terms and had not delivered enough aid to Gaza.
Aid Convoy to Gaza
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said 196 trucks of aid entered Gaza on Friday, and Israel said four fuel trucks and four tanks of gas entered Saturday.
US President Hopes for Extension of Truce
US President Joe Biden has said he hopes that the truce can be extended.
Israel has said that the truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed.
Qatari Delegation Arrives in Israel
A Qatari delegation arrived in Israel on Saturday to coordinate with parties on the ground and “ensure the deal continues to move smoothly”.
Evacuation of Patients from Gaza City
The UN and the Palestinian Red Crescent were also able to evacuate 40 patients and family members from a hospital in Gaza City to a hospital in Khan Younis.
Egypt Hopes to Reach Agreement on Extension of Truce
Egypt has said it had received “positive signals” from all parties over a possible extension of the truce deal.
Israel and Hamas Say Hostilities Will Resume After Truce Ends
Israel and Hamas have said that hostilities will resume as soon as the truce ends.