Hamas to Release Eight Hostages as Israel Frees 110 Prisoners; 10 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Airstrike.

Gaza City – In a continuing prisoner exchange under the ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19, Hamas is set to release eight hostages, including three Israeli citizens and two Thai nationals, on Thursday. In return, Israel will release 110 Palestinian prisoners. However, tensions remain high as an Israeli airstrike in the occupied West Bank city of Tamun resulted in the deaths of 10 Palestinians, despite the ongoing ceasefire.
Details of the Prisoner Exchange
Among those being released by Hamas are Israeli female soldier Agam Berger (20), Arbel Yehud (29), and 80-year-old Gedi Moses. The identities of the two Thai citizens have yet to be disclosed. According to reports from the Associated Press (AP), 30 of the 110 Palestinian prisoners being freed by Israel were serving life sentences for carrying out attacks against Israel.
The list includes Zakaria Zubeidi, a former extremist who escaped from an Israeli jail in 2021 before being recaptured. This prisoner swap marks another step in the ongoing negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
Humanitarian Concerns and Aid Issues
Following Israeli attacks, more than 500,000 Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza, where urgent humanitarian aid is required. Hamas has raised concerns over Israel’s alleged restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery, warning that the prisoner release process could be disrupted if sufficient aid does not reach the region.
Meanwhile, Israel has imposed a ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which will now be restricted from operating in East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Previous Ceasefire and Ongoing Hostage Situation
Hamas handed over Israeli soldier Agam Berger to the Red Cross at the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. Berger was one of five young female soldiers abducted during the October 7 attack by Hamas. Previously, in a week-long ceasefire in November 2023, Hamas released over 100 hostages, including 23 Thai nationals. According to Israeli sources, eight Thai citizens remain in captivity, with two confirmed dead.
Background of the Conflict
The ongoing hostilities between Hamas and Israel escalated following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel from three fronts, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a prolonged military campaign against Hamas, conducting airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza.
As of now, Israeli attacks have reportedly resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian casualties. With negotiations still underway and the humanitarian situation worsening, the next steps in the ceasefire and peace efforts remain uncertain.
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