Israel, Hamas Trade Hostages in New Ceasefire Talks

Gaza militants released three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross on Saturday in exchange for a compromise, where Israel would release 369 Palestinians in captivity. The hostages, who were held since the October 2023 Hamas attack, were escorted by Hamas militants in Gaza’s Khan Yunis before their release.

This was the sixth exchange of this kind since the ceasefire began on January 19, and it came after fears that the deal would collapse. The hostages, an Israeli-American and two other foreign nationals, were seen on stage demanding further exchanges under the existing ceasefire.

The accord also entailed the release of Palestinian prisoners, including some who were arrested after the October 7 attack. Both parties reaffirmed commitments to continue the ceasefire negotiations despite previous animosity.

Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire will begin early next week as international pressure continues to mount on the issue.