A Qatari official announced that 24 hostages — including a Filipino — had been freed by the militant group Hamas as part of its deal with Israel for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
“Those released include 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen,” according to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Majed Al Ansari, foreign ministry spokesman of Qatar, who has knowledge in negotiations for a ceasefire.
In exchange for the release of Hamas captives, Israel released 39 imprisoned Palestinians, including women and children.
This is the first time that the fire has stopped in Gaza since Israel attacked in response to Hamas’ invasion of their territory on October 7, 2023.
More than 1,000 people were killed in the attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel. Among the foreigners mentioned are four Filipinos who work there.
They also captured more than 100 people.
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1 Filipino among 24 hostages released by Hamas
According to the Palestinian health official, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel bombed and attacked Gaza.
First of all, the International Red Cross confirmed this Friday that they have begun the operation for the capture and transfer of Hamas captives and the release of Israeli Palestinians.
A spokesman said 24 hostages were evacuated from Gaza and handed over to Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing.
Eight staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were said to be with them in the four vehicle convoy.
“The deep pain that family members separated from their loved ones feel is indescribable. We are relieved that some will be reunited after long agony,” according to Fabrizio Carboni, the regional director of the ICRC in the Near and Middle East.
Based on the agreement, the ceasefire will last for four days, which will include the release of a total of 50 Hamas captives, in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
The agreement also includes allowing aid to enter Gaza for trapped civilians.
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