Families In Israel Are Reuniting After Hamas Released 69 Hostages As Part Of The Humanitarian Pause Deal
Aside from Israeli nationals and dual-citizens, Hamas also released a number of Thai and Filipino citizens, as part of a separate deal mediated by the Egyptian government and Hamas.
Hamas has released a total of 81 hostages who it kidnapped during its surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, as part of a humanitarian pause deal with Israel.
On Wednesday Nov. 22, Hamas and Israel agreed to a deal, mediated by Qatar, for a four-day pause in fighting.
As part of the deal, Hamas would return at least 50 women and children hostages in return for Israel releasing 150 Palestinians, mostly women and children, held in Israeli prisons.
Since the humanitarian pause began on Friday Nov. 24, Hamas has freed 69 hostages it took from Israel, including 51 Israelis and 18 foreign nationals, while Israel has freed 150 Palestinian women and children as of Monday Nov. 28.
Aside from Israeli nationals and dual-citizens, Hamas also released a number of Thai and Filipino citizens, as part of a separate deal mediated by the Egyptian government and Hamas.
The International Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the handover of the Israeli hostages at designated border points, transporting them from Gaza to Israeli hospitals.
Hospital officials have reported most of the hostages returned in good health, with the exception of an 84-year-old woman, who returned in critical condition due to the lack of medication for her condition.
On Nov. 27, Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the four-day humanitarian pause in fighting by another two days, mediator Qatar said.
On Tuesday, the first day of the extension, Hamas released 12 hostages, including two Thai nationals.
Meanwhile, Israel has released a total of 117 Palestinians, mainly women and children, who had been arrested allegedly for “serious crimes” such as throwing rocks or firebombs.
