Two Israelis and five Thai nationals were released as part of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that began Jan. 19.
Israeli leaders delayed the release of more than hundred Palestinians as agreed over concerns with how the eight Israeli hostages were released.
Dual U.S.-Israeli national Keith Seigel is among the 3 hostages expected to be released by Hamas in the fourth swap with Israel.
As prisoner and hostage exchanges happen in Gaza, we hear about the International Red Cross's experience in facilitating this work.
Elie Wiesel, the Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate, once wrote, “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” These words resonate profoundly when examining the complex relationship between Israel and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Eight more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released amid chaotic scenes as part of the ceasefire deal with Israel. Three Israelis and five Thai nationals were handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas before being transferred to Israeli forces and taken to Israel.
Jerusalem: The Palestinian militant organization Hamas released 8 more hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip for 482 days on Thursday, January 30. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was furious about Hamas's methods of releasing the hostages.
The increasingly theatrical and threatening events have angered Israel and put a cease-fire deal at risk.
The five hostages were among the 31 Thai agricultural workers who were captured by Hamas from four farms close to the Gaza border. Earlier, 23 hostages were released and two, Sudthisak Rinthalak and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, were confirmed dead in May of last year.
Israel had delayed their release in protest against the way the eight hostages freed by Hamas were treated as they were handed over to Red Cross staff in Khan Younis.
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