Hamas released 3 Israeli captives in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners
In a recent prisoner exchange under the ongoing truce agreement, resistance fighters in Gaza have transferred three Israeli captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross. In return, 369 Palestinian detainees are set to be released at a later date as part of the accord.
On Saturday, militants conducted a procession in Khan Yunis, located in the southern region of Gaza, showcasing the captives on stage. The Israeli captives addressed the assembled audience prior to their transfer to the International Red Cross authorities.
Three men, recently freed from captivity and presenting gift bags and certificates commemorating their release, have urged for the continuation and completion of additional prisoner exchanges as outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
Reports from Hamas and Islamic Jihad indicate that approximately 200 fighters have been mobilized by these resistance groups for participation in the handover ceremony.
The latest release marks the sixth occurrence since the ceasefire was implemented on January 19. This development follows concerns from last week regarding the potential breakdown of the agreement, spurred by Israel’s reluctance to permit sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, an advocacy organization, announced that Israel has agreed to release 369 detainees as part of an exchange deal. The majority of those set to be freed are prisoners originating from the Gaza Strip, who were detained following the significant operation on October 7 in southern settlements.
The ceasefire has faced significant tension following controversial comments from US President Donald Trump, who suggested the United States should “take over” Gaza, displace its inhabitants, and effectively assert control over the Palestinian territory.
He has put forward a proposal suggesting the relocation of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to Egypt and Jordan, asserting that such a move would improve their living conditions.
Hamas, the ruling body in Gaza, has dismissed former President Donald Trump’s proposal as “ridiculous and absurd.” Meanwhile, Arab nations and other Islamic countries have strongly opposed the plan.
In a unified statement issued on Saturday, the leaders of Christian churches in al-Quds have expressed their firm opposition to any measures involving forced displacement.
A statement emphasized that Gazans, who have resided for generations in the land of their forebears, should not be compelled into exile nor deprived of their fundamental right to remain in the land that is central to their identity.
Saudi Arabia is set to host a pivotal summit on Thursday, bringing together leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to address regional issues.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, representing the United States as Israel’s principal ally, was scheduled to arrive in Israel late Saturday. His visit precedes anticipated discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza.
For Palestinians, any form of forced displacement stirs profound memories of the “Nakba” or catastrophe, which refers to the mass exodus experienced by their forebears during the establishment of Israel in 1948.
The stage arranged for Saturday’s event featured an illustrated poster portraying the last moments of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in his final confrontation with Israeli forces in October.
A recently circulated image depicts the al-Aqsa Mosque visible through an aperture in the ruins of a demolished structure, accompanied by the message, “No displacement except to al-Quds.”
Hamas issued a statement regarding the release of the three captives, highlighting the presence of al-Quds and the al-Aqsa Mosque imagery at the handover location. The significant turnout of Palestinians, according to the statement, serves as a clear message to Israel and its supporters that these elements represent a “red line.”
The announcement emphasized that the release of a sixth group of enemy prisoners is a clear indication that negotiations and strict compliance with the ceasefire agreement are the only viable methods for securing their release.
In a statement addressing global audiences, it has been declared that Jerusalem stands as the sole destination for migration. This announcement serves as a direct rebuttal to the initiatives advocating for displacement and liquidation, as endorsed by former U.S. President Trump and his colonial and occupation-supporting allies.
