ALWAGHT- Hamas has released three more Israeli captives to officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in exchange for the future release of 183 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas released three Israeli captives as part of a prisoner swap, with two of them handed over in Khan Yunis and the third in Gaza City. The Israeli military confirmed their custody, and Hamas fighters displayed their strength during the handover ceremony in Gaza City, waving flags and chanting slogans in honor of Hamas leaders killed in combat. In exchange, Israel is set to release 183 Palestinian prisoners, as part of an ongoing series of exchanges.
The deal is part of a broader ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which includes the gradual return of captives and the reopening of Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt. This crossing, vital for aid and people movement, had been closed since May but is now expected to reopen after this exchange. The EU has also deployed a monitoring mission to support Palestinian border personnel and facilitate the transfer of individuals needing medical care.
Despite the ceasefire's humanitarian provisions, including the expected daily entry of 600 aid trucks into Gaza, NGOs have reported insufficient aid reaching the region. There are severe shortages of essential supplies, including medical equipment, reconstruction materials, and solar energy supplies. The Israeli ban on the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has been accused of Hamas links, is further exacerbating the crisis, potentially leading to the agency's closure in Gaza.
