The Hamas militant group handed over 14 Israeli hostages to the Red Cross on the third day of a ceasefire, marking the third exchange of hostages/prisoners between Hamas and Israel.
The hostages, who were kidnapped on October 7, include 13 Israeli citizens, one Russian-Israeli citizen, and three individuals from other nations. Additionally, three foreign hostages were released by Hamas.
As part of the exchange, Israel will release 42 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children. According to sources in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the 17 hostages are now in the custody of the IDF and are expected to return to Israel from the Gaza Strip.
The exchange process faced delays on Saturday when Hamas accused Israel of postponing the supply of aid materials to the Gaza Strip, a condition set for the release of the Israeli hostages. However, the exchange eventually took place on Sunday.
These developments mark another chapter in the complex dynamics between Israel and Hamas, involving negotiations, ceasefires, and the exchange of prisoners and hostages.
(With Agency Inputs)
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