Israel-Hamas War: First Hostages Released Under Truce Agreement
The first groups of Israelis and Palestinians have been released under a brokered agreement that brought a temporary halt to fighting in Gaza.
Who are the hostages who were released on Friday?
The first group of hostages released on Friday included 13 Israeli women and children, 10 Thai citizens, and one Filipino citizen. Among the released Israelis were Yafa Adar, 85, founder of the Nir Oz kibbutz, and Margalit Moses, 77, a retired biology teacher and cancer survivor.
Hana Katzir, 76, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, whose husband was killed in their home, was also released. Adina Moshe, 72, a retired educator and mother of four, was another one of the freed Israelis. Ohad Munder, 9, was abducted while visiting family in Nir Oz, and Doron Katz Asher, 34, Raz Asher, 4, and Aviv Asher, 2, were kidnapped with other family members while visiting the kibbutz.
Read more about the hostages here.
Filipino national released by Hamas doing "better than expected," says family of employer
The Filipino national, Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, who had been working as a caregiver in Israel, is doing "better than expected" according to the son of the man he was caring for. His employer's son said that Pacheco was talking to his wife and will have medical tests and emotional treatment. The release of Pacheco was a surprise to his employer's family, who were happy to see him but expressed concern over the remaining hostages.
The family believes that it is the duty of Israel to release all the hostages held by Hamas.
Read more about Pacheco's release here.
Egypt hails success of first day of truce between Israel and Hamas
Egypt expressed its satisfaction with the first day of the truce between Israel and Hamas, highlighting Israel's agreement to stop flying surveillance drones over Gaza as one reason for its successful start. Increased deliveries of medical supplies, food, and fuel to Gaza residents are also contributing to maintaining the truce.
Egypt allowed 134 Palestinians stranded in Egypt to return to the Gaza Strip. The success of the first day of the truce is a positive sign for maintaining peace in the region.
Read more about Egypt's perspective on the truce here.
Israel says it's received a list of hostages to be released on Saturday
Israel's Mossad and the Israel Defense Forces have received the second list of Israeli hostages due to be released on Saturday, which includes children. Security officials are reviewing the list of names, and the Hostage Coordinator has informed the families of the hostages. The list will not be released to the public until the hostages are safely in Israeli hands.
The release of the hostages is part of the agreement struck between Israel and Hamas, which will see three more days of prisoner releases.
Read more about the upcoming hostage releases here.
