Will good news of hostage release keep coming from Gaza as truce ends today?
Hamas Hostage release- Israel and Hamas have currently been abiding by a truce which was negotiated between the two sides by Qatar, taking on the role of middleman. Let us know more about the whole truce deal:
Announcement of truce
The state of Qatar on November 22 announced that a humanitarian pause have been agreed by Hamas and Israel. The humanitarian pause was agreed for a period of 4 days starting from November 24,Friday.
The break in the war was agreed for humanitarian purpose which included the exchange of hostages held by Hamas in exchange of the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Hamas agreed to release 50 hostages in exchange of the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Both the sides only agreed to release women and children.
The humanitarian pause was also to be used for the inflow of humanitarian aid in the Gaza enclave.
In the announcement made by Qatar, it was made clear that Israel is open to the extension of truce, provided, Hamas releases 10 hostages per day.
Extension of truce
The initial truce, which started from November 24, Friday ended on November 27, Monday. On Monday, both the sides agreed to extent the truce for another two days and continue the release of more hostages.
On November 28, Tuesday, Hamas released another 12 hostages. These included 10 Israeli nationals and 2 foreigners. Israel released 30 Palestinian prisoners the same day, which included women and teenagers.
Yoni Asher embraces his wife Doron and their daughter Raz, four, and Aviv, two, after their release
As of now, 81 hostages held by Hamas and allied forces have been released. Another 159 hostages are still left to released.
Israel has released 180 prisoners till now.
The office of Prime Minister of Israel on Wednesday stated that the government has received a list of hostages to be released by the Hamas on Wednesday.
Since Wednesday is the last of the truce, hence, all eyes are on Israel and Hamas, to see if a possible extension in the truce can be negotiated.
Important points to be noted
Even after releasing 81 hostages in the ongoing truce, still another 156 are with Hamas and allied forces.
Qatar has played a major role in negotiating the terms of the truce. and enabling a much needed humanitarian pause to the ongoing destructive war.
Only women and children hostages have been released by Hamas till now. Israel wants the release of men/military personnel as well.
John Kirby, the official spokesperson U.S. national security said that around 8-9 America citizen are still held hostage by Hamas. U.S. is hopeful that Hamas will release more hostages.
USA has been also working in the negotiation with Qatar and will continue to work with Qatar for an extension in the truce.
Israel made it clear that this truce is not an end to the war, it's just a humanitarian pause.
Hamas released 69 hostages in the first four days, which included 51 Israeli nationals, 17 Thai nationals and a Filipino citizen.
On Tuesday, 12 hostages were released which included 10 Israeli nationals and 2 Thai nationals.
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