Content Credit: Al jazeera
The Israeli military has confirmed the release of seven captives from Gaza, including two Israeli citizens and five Thai nationals. They were handed over to the Red Cross in a chaotic exchange scene in Khan Younis, where large crowds gathered.
Details of Released Hostages:
The Israeli captives are:
- Arbel Yehud (29 years old)
- Gadi Moshe Mozes (80 years old)
The five Thai captives are:
- Thaenna Pongsak
- Sathian Suwannakhan
- Sriaoun Watchara
- Saethao Bannawat
- Rumnao Surasak
Following their release, they were transferred into Israeli territory under military supervision.
Palestinian Prisoner Release in Exchange:
In return, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 minors. Among them are:
- Mohammed Falna (60 years old) – Imprisoned for 33 years and sentenced to life imprisonment; he will be deported after release.
- Sameh al-Shoubaki (45 years old) – Detained for 22 years after surviving assassination attempts.
- Muhammad Abu Warda (50 years old) – Serving 48 life sentences since 2002.
Escalating Violence in the Region:
- Israeli airstrikes in Tammun, occupied West Bank, have killed at least 10 Palestinians as military operations intensify.
- Over 500,000 Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza, where humanitarian aid remains scarce.
- Israel has enforced a ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank, effective today.
Casualty Toll Since October 7, 2023:
- Palestinians killed: 47,417
- Palestinians injured: 111,571
- Israelis killed: 1,139
- Israelis taken captive: Over 200
Netanyahu Criticizes Exchange Conditions:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “horrific scenes” during the captive exchange in Khan Younis, where security forces struggled to clear a path. He demanded that mediators prevent similar situations in future exchanges.
Public Reactions in Israel and Gaza
- Celebrations erupted in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where hundreds gathered after the hostage release.
- Palestinian communities continue to protest ongoing military actions and the mass detainment of prisoners.
This remains a developing situation as tensions persist.
