Hamas has released five Israeli hostages as part of an ongoing cease-fire negotiation, with a sixth set to be released soon. In a reciprocal arrangement, Israel will release 602 Palestinian prisoners. This first phase of the hostage-prisoner swap is viewed as a humanitarian effort by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The broader conflict, which began with Hamas' attacks in October 2023, resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza, raising concerns from the international community regarding the conduct of both parties in the conflict.
Hamas has been strongly criticized for its stage-managed release of Israeli hostages, which have included public ceremonies during which hostages are taken on stage.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog in a statement on X celebrated their release 'from the depths of hell to begin the process of healing and recovery alongside their loving families.'
Collection
[
|
...
]