Hamas has handed over two Israeli hostages to the Red Cross on Saturday, marking the fourth swap in a series conducted under a ceasefire agreement with Israel, as reported by an AFP correspondent.
The hostages, Israeli national Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli citizen Ofer Kalderon, were released in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis. The handover was carried out in a swift and organized ceremony attended by few onlookers, emphasizing the delicate nature of the ongoing negotiations.
This latest exchange is part of efforts to ease tensions and facilitate humanitarian aid amid the ongoing conflict in the region. The ceasefire deal, which includes the exchange of hostages, aims to build confidence between the parties and lay the groundwork for further diplomatic engagements.
The involvement of the Red Cross highlights the international community's role in mediating the conflict and providing humanitarian assistance. The safe release of hostages is seen as a positive step towards de-escalation and potential long-term peace efforts.
Both hostages are expected to undergo medical evaluations and reunite with their families following their transfer. The release brings hope to other families awaiting the return of their loved ones and underscores the importance of continued dialogue between the conflicting parties.
As the situation develops, observers remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for sustained peace and stability in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
