Hamas has released 3 Israeli hostages held since October 2023, with 369 Palestinian prisoners freed in return.
While Israel views the prisoners released as terrorists, Palestinians often see them as freedom fighters resisting a decades-long Israeli military occupation.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, and Saraya Al-Quds, the armed faction of Islamic Jihad, handed over three Israeli captives on Saturday as part of the sixth phase of the ongoing prisoner exchange deal with Israel.
The handover of Alexander (Sasha) Turbanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn to the International Red Cross Committee took place east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
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The brigades also gave one of the three Israeli hostages an hourglass bearing the words “Time is running out” in three languages intended for the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Nevertheless, the successful swap is the latest indication that the fragile ceasefire was signed between the two sides last month, which teetered on the brink of collapse earlier in the week, is set to hold.
Hamas announced last Monday that it would delay the hostages’ release after accusing Israel of not adhering to their agreement by not allowing in enough shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble, while Israel said it would resume fighting on Saturday unless hostages were freed.
