Following the resolution of the hostage crisis, the sixth round of prisoner exchange is underway in Gaza. Hamas handed over three hostages in Khan Yunis to the Red Cross yesterday. The hostages were later delivered to the Israeli army. In response, Israel released 369 Palestinian prisoners. The liberated Palestinians were welcomed with celebrations in the West Bank. Here is the latest on the prisoner exchange…Earlier this week, Hamas announced the suspension of the release of hostages due to Israel’s breach of agreement, but today the hostages were handed over.
Red Cross vehicles reached Gaza to collect the prisoners and deliver them to the Israeli army. These three male hostages were previously held by Islamic Jihad.
In exchange, Israel released 369 Palestinian inmates from prisons.
The Palestinians were warmly received in Ramallah in the West Bank. Yesterday, Hamas announced the names of the hostages to be released.
After being handed over to the Red Cross, Sasha Alexander Trufanov, Sagui Dekel Chen, and Iair Horn were taken to Israel.
In return, Israel will release 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from jails.
President Trump, speaking about the exchange yesterday, said, “I will take a tough stance on Gaza tomorrow, I don’t know what Israel will do.” President Donald Trump had earlier warned that if all hostages in Gaza were not released by noon today, the ceasefire would be canceled, causing “apocalypse.”
However, the hostage crisis between Israel and Hamas was resolved the day before. Hamas and Israel had signed a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement on January 19, thanks to the mediation efforts of Egypt and Qatar.