Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, has released 24 hostages held captive in Gaza for almost seven weeks. In a reciprocal move, Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners following an Israel-Hamas truce mediated by Qatar. The release includes 13 Israelis, 10 Thai nationals, and one Filipino citizen. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) transported the captives from Gaza to the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
The exchange is part of a larger deal between Israel and Hamas, which involves a four-day truce and the release of captives on both sides. Among the captives were Israeli soldiers and civilians, as well as individuals from various foreign countries. The families of those held captive have pleaded for their release. Israel confirmed the release of 39 Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails as part of the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his government's commitment to the return of all remaining captives. Qatar's mediation also led to the release of 10 Thai nationals and one Filipino citizen outside the truce framework. Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the release of 12 Thai hostages held in Gaza. The captives' return involves medical checks before reuniting with their families.
