The release of the prisoners was delayed because Hamas accused Israel of violating the prisoner exchange agreement. Israeli officials denied Hamas’ claims.
The terrorist organization Hamas said it had handed over 17 hostages it had captured late Saturday night, who were handed over to the Red Cross. The prisoners were handed over as part of a ceasefire agreement that began on Friday morning.
The release of the prisoners was delayed because Hamas accused Israel of violating the prisoner exchange agreement. Israeli officials denied Hamas’ claims.
According to Hamas, the point of contention was the delivery of humanitarian aid to the northern part of Gaza and Israel’s interference in the selection of prisoners to be released. The organization said it “responded positively” to Egyptian and Qatari mediators after they had conveyed to Hamas Israel’s promise to comply with the terms of the agreement.
Thirteen of the hostages are Israelis and four Thais. According to the Israeli administration, six of the freed Israelis were adult women and seven were either children or teenagers. The Israeli army confirmed at midnight that the hostages had arrived in Israel.
In return, Israel said it released 39 Palestinian prisoners early Sunday. This was reported by the local prison authorities.
Earlier on Friday, Hamas released one Filipino, 10 Thai and 13 Israeli hostages.
Source: AFP, Reuters
The news is updated.