In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Hamas handed over three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza on Saturday. The releases mark the latest phase in a negotiated exchange between Hamas and Israeli authorities.
The last of the three hostages, Keith Siegel, a U.S.-Israeli dual national, was transferred to the Red Cross at Gaza Port, as shown in live television footage. Earlier in the day, Hamas had released Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon, a French-Israeli dual national, to a Red Cross official in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis.
The exchange is part of a phased agreement involving the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The handover of these individuals is seen as a critical step towards de-escalating tensions and potentially paving the way for further negotiations.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, with the Red Cross facilitating the safe transfer of the hostages. Families of the released individuals have expressed relief and hope for the continuation of efforts to secure the freedom of others still detained.
Details surrounding the conditions of the exchange and the identities of the Palestinian prisoners released in return have not been fully disclosed. However, the developments have sparked discussions on the humanitarian implications and the broader impact on peace efforts in the region.
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Hamas hands over Israeli hostage Siegel to Red Cross at Gaza port
cgtn.com
