The exchange of captives between Hamas and Israel has entered its third consecutive day under a four-day truce deal. As part of the agreement, a third batch of 39 Palestinian prisoners has been freed, leading to large crowds of Palestinians taking to the streets in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. The prisoners were transported by Red Cross buses, with some waving Palestinian flags alongside the flags of Hamas and Fatah, the two main Palestinian political parties.
For many families, the release of their loved ones brought both joy and mixed feelings. Shakir Mahajna, whose son Omar was recently turned 18, expressed his initial disbelief and shared his son’s frustrations during his time in captivity. Nour Ara’ar, whose 17-year-old brother Zeid was arrested in July, also expressed a similar sentiment, highlighting the challenges faced by families due to the ongoing war and the suspension of trials.
Unfortunately, not all gatherings were peaceful. In Beitunia, three Palestinians aged 15, 18, and 33 were injured after Israeli forces fired live rounds, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Additionally, two children aged 11 and 13 were admitted to the hospital for tear-gas inhalation.
Earlier on Sunday, Hamas released 13 Israeli captives, including nine children and four foreign nationals – three Thais and one Israeli Russian. The release of the Israeli Russian captive was in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts and Russia’s support of Palestine. US President Joe Biden announced that a four-year-old Israeli-American girl, Abigail Edan, whose parents were killed in a Hamas attack, was also among those released. Biden called for an extension of the truce deal to allow for more releases and urged both parties to cooperate.
The exchange of captives faced a delay on Saturday due to accusations from Hamas that Israel had violated the truce agreement. Mediation by Qatar and Egypt resolved the standoff, ensuring the continuation of the exchange. Over the course of four days, approximately 150 Palestinian prisoners and 50 civilian captives held in Gaza will be released as part of the Israel-Hamas deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a landmark visit to Gaza, the first since Israel disengaged from the enclave in 2005, ahead of Sunday’s exchange. He expressed determination to achieve the war’s goals and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the conflict.
Hamas has expressed its desire to extend the truce with Israel if serious efforts are made to increase the number of Palestinian detainees released from Israeli prisons. Senior Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan expects President Biden to intervene and end Israel’s offensive against Gaza, emphasizing the need for the implementation of international resolutions regarding the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, the ongoing exchange of captives between Hamas and Israel has reached its third day under a truce deal. While families celebrate the release of their loved ones, tensions persist, and calls for a peaceful resolution and the implementation of international resolutions continue.
