Qatar confirms release of 24 hostages held by Hamas for 7 weeks in Gaza

The Foreign Ministry of Qatar has announced the successful liberation of 24 individuals who were held captive in the Gaza Strip for a duration of seven weeks.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, stated, “The group of released individuals comprises 13 Israelis, some holding dual citizenship, as well as 10 Thais and one Filipino.” Qatar played a pivotal role in mediating the hostage release.

The International Committee of the Red Cross also verified their release, having facilitated their transfer from Gaza to Egypt.

The released group, consisting of women and children, is currently undergoing medical examinations prior to their transfer to Israel, where they will be admitted to hospitals and reunited with their families.

In the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the release of these hostages marks the first in a series under a four-day truce that began on Friday. In reciprocation, Israel plans to release 39 Palestinian prisoners later on the same day, as part of a larger commitment to free 150 Palestinian prisoners during the ceasefire.

The conflict escalated when Hamas launched a cross-border attack on October 7, resulting in the death of at least 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 240 others. The conflict has also led to over 13,000 Palestinian fatalities and extensive damage in Gaza, as reported by health authorities in the Hamas-controlled region.

This news update comes as a development to an earlier report.

In Rafah, Gaza Strip, Hamas has released a group of hostages, including 13 Israelis, as part of the first phase of a prisoner swap under a four-day ceasefire agreement. The agreement also saw the release of 12 Thai nationals, as confirmed by their Prime Minister.

The ceasefire has brought temporary relief to Gaza’s residents and facilitated the inflow of much-needed aid. It has also raised hopes for the eventual de-escalation of the conflict, which has incited violence in the occupied West Bank and concerns of a wider Middle Eastern conflict.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel remains determined to resume its comprehensive offensive after the truce.

As part of the exchange agreement, Israel and Hamas have consented to prioritize the release of women and children. The deal also allows for the extension of the truce, contingent on the release of additional hostages.

Amidst these developments, questions persist regarding the number of hostages, their military status, and the total Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The Lebanese border with Israel remains calm, following Hezbollah’s most intense attack since October 8. Hezbollah, however, is not involved in the ceasefire agreement.

This conflict, which began with Hamas militants’ incursion into southern Israel, has led to significant casualties and abductions, intensifying the call for a longer-lasting peace solution. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have expressed a commitment to continuing the conflict until Hamas’s military capabilities are dismantled, its rule in Gaza ended, and all hostages returned.

The death toll in Gaza, as per the Health Ministry, exceeds 13,300, with the majority being women and minors. The ministry’s figures do not distinguish between civilians and militants, and Israel asserts that it has neutralized thousands of Hamas fighters, though it has not substantiated these claims.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Hamas ceasefire

More about Israel-Hamas ceasefire

• Qatar’s Role in Mediating Gaza Hostage Crisis
• International Committee of the Red Cross Operations in Gaza
• Updates on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Release
• Background on the Israel-Hamas Conflict
• Humanitarian Impact of the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza