| Following successful arbitration efforts by Egyptians and Qatari officials, the release of three Israeli hostages, Israel-Argentine Yire Horn, Israel-American Sagui Dekel-Chake and Israel-Rasi Sasha Trounov. During an attack on October 7, 2023, the hostages seized by Hamas militants were handed over to the International Committee of Red Cross, which brought them to the Israeli forces. The army has confirmed that the free hostage is now back to Israel.
The release is part of a prisoner swap agreement, with 369 Palestinian prisoners and prisoners will be freed in exchange for three Israeli hostages. The agreement is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to maintain a delicate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The three hostages, who were taken captive for several months, were handed over to the Red Cross in the southern city of Gaza in Khan Younis. He was allegedly in good health and was seen clutching the gift bags and certificates, marking the end of his captivity. However, the situation remains unstable, in which the tension between Israel and Hamas is increasing. The Israeli army has been accused of blocking assistance by entering Gaza, which has increased the humanitarian crisis in the region. If Israel fails to fulfill its assistance obligations, Hamas has threatened to release more hostages. The release of the three hostages brings the total number of hostages that starts since the ceasefire begins. However, many more hostages remain in captivity, and efforts are underway to secure their release. The condition of Gaza remains critical, in which thousands of people became homeless and without access to basic requirements such as food, water and electricity. The international community has called for an immediate end for violence and a permanent ceasefire for all parties. In a related development, the recent comments of US President Donald Trump have been widely condemned for Palestinians to be permanently taken out of Gaza. The comments have been seen as inflammatory and increased tension in the region. As the situation comes to the fore, everyone’s eyes are on the release of the remaining hostages and the maintenance of the ceasefire. |
