The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, handed over three hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza City on Saturday, marking a significant development in the ongoing ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
The released individuals include Israeli-French citizen Ofer Calderon, 54, Israeli civilian Yarden Bibas, 35, and 65-year-old Israeli-U.S. dual national Keith Siegel. They were transferred to the ICRC and subsequently returned to Israeli forces, who brought them safely back to Israeli territory.
This release represents the fourth batch under the first phase of the prisoner exchange and ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. The operation was coordinated with international mediators to ensure the safe transfer of the hostages.
The exchange is part of broader efforts to implement a negotiated agreement facilitating the release of detainees on both sides while maintaining a temporary cessation of hostilities. According to Palestinian sources, further developments in the deal's implementation are expected in the coming days.
The release of the hostages is seen as a hopeful sign towards de-escalation and a potential pathway to more sustained peace efforts in the region. International observers are closely monitoring the situation as both parties navigate this delicate process.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
