The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, handing them over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza City. This operation marks the fourth batch under the first phase of a prisoner exchange and ceasefire deal.
The hostages released include Israeli-French citizen Ofer Calderon, 54, Israeli civilian Yarden Bibas, 35, and 65-year-old Israeli-U.S. dual national Keith Siegel. Earlier in the day, Calderon and Bibas were transferred to the Red Cross and subsequently handed over to Israeli forces, who transported them back to Israeli territory. Siegel's release followed soon after.
The coordinated release was facilitated by international mediators to ensure the safe transfer of the hostages. This exchange is part of ongoing efforts to implement a negotiated agreement aimed at facilitating the release of detainees on both sides while maintaining a temporary cessation of hostilities in the region.
According to Palestinian sources, further developments in the deal's implementation are anticipated in the coming days, signaling potential progress in the peace negotiations between the parties involved.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
