In a significant development, Israel has released 39 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, as part of a humanitarian agreement with the Palestinian radical movement, Hamas. This announcement was made by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative, Majid Al-Ansari, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Al-Ansari confirmed the release of the prisoners, stating, “We confirm the release of 39 women and children who were held in Israeli prisons.” This action fulfills the commitment made on the first day of the humanitarian agreement between Israel and Hamas.
On November 22nd, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement for a humanitarian pause and the release of a portion of the hostages. The first stage of the deal involves a four-day ceasefire and the exchange of 50 prisoners held in Gaza for 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The second stage may include the release of additional individuals, with each group of 10 hostages released resulting in a 24-hour extension of the ceasefire. Hamas has also promised to release two Russian prisoners immediately after the cessation of hostilities.
Hamas has already released the first group of hostages as per the agreement with Israel.
Earlier, Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, stated that the operation in Gaza would continue for at least two more months after a brief ceasefire.
