Israel confirms release of fifth group of hostages despite Tuesday’s fighting
The IDF and the Al Qassam Brigades accused each other of violating the ceasefire in the northern Gaza Strip.
Red Cross ambulance with Hamas hostages released on the second day of the truce / Cordon Press
This Tuesday, the terrorist group Hamas released a new group of 12 hostages who were being held in the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that Hamas successfully handed over the hostages to the Gaza Red Cross to be transferred to Israeli authorities.
"According to information received from the Red Cross, 12 hostages - including ten Israelis and two foreigners - are heading towards Israeli territory," the IDF said in a brief statement. Tuesday's exchange of hostages was in jeopardy after several incidents broke out earlier in northern Gaza. The IDF reported a violation of the truce when three explosive devices were detonated near two positions controlled by Israeli troops. There was also an exchange of fire, in which several Israeli soldiers were injured.
According to The Times of Israel, among the hostages are nine elderly women and one minor. Along with them are two more hostages of Thai nationality. Media cameras soon confirmed the release and captured some images of the moment.
One that went viral was of Mia Leimberg, a 17-year-old girl who was captured on Oct. 7 along with her dog. The faithful pet remained with its owner and was also released this Tuesday.
Extension of the truce
According to reports from various media sources, Israel and Hamas are negotiating a new extension of the truce. Journalist Barak Ravid assured Axios that the director of the CIA, Bill Burns, must meet with the director of the Mossad, David Barnea, the head of the Egyptian Intelligence Services, Abbas Kamel, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al Thani.
It is proposed that the extension of the ceasefire be for a total of nine days, and that during each of them 10 hostages will be released, as since last Friday when the truce came into effect. Axios cites official sources close to the negotiations. With the 73 hostages released so far, the total number of hostages released at the end of a hypothetical extension of the truce could rise to over 100.
Otherwise, once the day ends on Wednesday, the ceasefire will be over and both sides would have reason to resume hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
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