People react as they hear the news of the release of 13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Friday marks the start of a four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, during which the Gaza militants pledged to release 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. (© AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Israel Palestinians
(Tel Aviv) – Thirteen Israeli hostages have been freed by Hamas as part of a cease-fire agreement that will also see 39 Palestinian protesters released. The 13 Israeli hostages were released into Egypt through the Rafah Crossing, and they will then be transferred to southern Israel. In addition to the Israeli hostages, 12 Thai nationals were freed by Hamas.
At this point, roughly 230 hostages remain in Hamas custody, per reports. The prisoner swap means the initial terms of the cease-fire deal have been maintained, so the fighting is expected to remain at a standstill for the coming days. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested the ceasefire could last for an extended period — if Hamas keeps releasing hostages in a timely and safe manner.
