The third exchange of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel occurred as the US expressed hope for a truce extension in Gaza.
Israel reported that 17 hostages were released by Hamas, including a Russian national and three Thai nationals, all of whom were women or children. In return, 39 Palestinian prisoners, also women and children, were released from Israeli jails.
The day witnessed emotional moments, such as the release of a girl orphaned in Hamas’s attack in Israel, and aid reaching the north of Gaza, devastated by Israeli bombardment.
US President Joe Biden welcomed the release of a four-year-old US-Israeli dual national, expressing hope for the truce’s extension. Israel indicated its willingness to resume its campaign after the truce but expressed openness to extending it if it facilitated the daily release of 10 hostages as per the original Qatari-brokered deal. Hamas, however, suggested an extension would depend on efforts to increase the number of Palestinian detainees released by Israel.
The truce, marking the first significant pause in the seven-week conflict, faced challenges due to a lack of trust between Israel and Hamas. Accusations were exchanged regarding aid delivery and adherence to the terms of the release. The war in Gaza, marked by the deadliest Israeli-Palestinian violence in decades, resulted in significant destruction and displacement. International pressure led Israel to agree to release at least 150 Palestinian prisoners and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, challenges persist as both sides navigate a delicate balance between military objectives and releasing captives.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
