After initial delay, Hamas resumes second hostage release and adds another 17
The terrorist group had claimed that Israel had reneged on its part of the agreement, so the exchange was delayed longer than expected. 13 Israelis and seven foreigners regain their freedom in exchange for 39 Palestinians imprisoned in the Jewish state.
Israel Defense Forces soldiers in Gaza (Cordon Press)
With everything ready for the release of the second group of hostages by Hamas, the terrorist group delayed the exchange, claiming that Israel had reneged on its part of the deal. After a few hours of uncertainty, it was confirmed that 13 Israelis and seven foreigners would regain their freedom in exchange for 39 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Egypt and Qatar acted as mediators between the parties.
Hamas delayed for an hour the operation scheduled for Saturday night and validated its action with a statement released in the afternoon.
"Al-Qassam Brigades decided to delay the release of the second batch of prisoners until the occupation adheres to the terms of the agreement related to the entry of relief trucks into the northern Gaza Strip, and due to the failure to comply with the agreed rules for the release of prisoners," the military wing of the Jihadist group said in justifying its decision.
Finally, the release will continue normally, and the 20 hostages will return home. Since Friday, when the first exchanges began, some 50 humanitarian aid trucks have entered the Gaza Strip.
On the Israeli side, they remarked that the truce could be extended by one day for every ten hostages released, something that Joe Biden's administration approved in Washington DC.
Hamas released another 17 hostages
As reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), an extra group of hostages were leaving the Gaza Strip for the Rafah border crossing. The update came from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The terrorist group handed over to the Red Cross an additional 13 Israeli and 4 non-Israeli citizens.
Disappointment within the Biden Administration
After the second hostage release, Joe Biden's administration was surprised to see no American citizens in the group, a disappointment that was expressed publicly.
"We are disappointed that we have not seen Americans on a list yet, but we are hopeful for the coming days. The U.S. is hopeful that we can keep the pause and the exchange because we want all the hostages out," one official told NBC News.
Israel's ultimatum to Hamas
According to the Times of Israel, an Israeli military source had given them until midnight this Saturday for the group of hostages to be released as agreed. Otherwise, military operations in Gaza would resume with the same intensity as before Friday's truce.
This story is developing.
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