Israel and Hamas in delicate prisoner exchange amid ceasefire
Hamas released three Israelis who were kidnapped on 7 October 2023, as part of a swap for Palestinian prisoners. Sagi Dekel Chen, Jair Horn, and Aleksander Trufanov were handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip.
On Saturday, the sixth exchange took place, in which Israel is set to release 369 Palestinian prisoners. In previous exchanges, 16 Israeli hostages and 766 Palestinian prisoners have regained their freedom.
Hamas also released five Thai nationals who were kidnapped on 7 October 2023, but were not part of the ceasefire agreement. There are still 70 people in captivity.
Temporary ceasefire
The exchange is part of the ongoing temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, which began on 19 January and is still in effect. In the first stage of the truce, lasting 42 days, the plan is to exchange 33 Hamas hostages for approximately 1,900 Palestinians.
During the 7 October 2023 attack, Hamas kidnapped 251 people, 87 of whom are still being held. The actions of Palestinian groups resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths. The war that erupted following the attack has claimed the lives of over 47,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry of the Gaza Strip.
Observers suggest that the current ceasefire may not endure, as conditions for a permanent truce have yet to be established. There is a risk that fighting may resume if no agreement is reached between the conflicting parties.
