In the southern city of Khan Yunis, Gaza, Palestinian militants released three Israeli hostages on Saturday, February 15th. This exchange was part of a larger prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas, which had been in jeopardy of collapsing.
An AFP journalist witnessed masked Hamas gunmen parading the hostages on a stage. The hostages, Israeli-American Sagui Dekel-Chen, Israeli-Russian Sasha Trupanov, and Israeli-Argentine Yair Horn, were held captive for over 16 months. They made statements into a microphone before being handed over to the Red Cross and returned to Israeli territory.
Clutching gift bags from their captors, the three men, flanked by fighters, called for the completion of further hostage exchanges under the ceasefire deal.
Meanwhile, a busload of Palestinian prisoners departed Israel's Ofer Prison and were greeted by a cheering crowd in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah. Additional buses transported inmates from an Israeli prison in the Negev desert to the Gaza Strip.
10 Comments
Marishka
This was a difficult but ultimately positive development for both Israelis and Palestinians. (12)
Pupsik
This was a weak and irresponsible decision by the Israeli government. (2)
Marishka
The hostages' safety should always be the top priority. (10)
Pupsik
This was a necessary compromise to secure the hostages' release. (20)
Marishka
This is a dangerous precedent that will incentivize future kidnappings. (20)
Muchacho
It's crucial to prioritize human life above political considerations in such situations. (18)
ZmeeLove
Israel should not have caved into Hamas' demands. (8)
Habibi
Hamas should not be rewarded for its aggression with the release of prisoners. (18)
Africa
This will only encourage further conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. (12)
Bella Ciao
This deal demonstrates a willingness on both sides to compromise for peace. (6)