Hamas releases Israeli hostages in controlled exchange
(MENAFN) On Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages as part of the fourth batch of the first phase of a prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement. In exchange, Israel freed 183 Palestinian detainees and allowed 50 wounded and sick Palestinians to leave Gaza for medical treatment abroad. The handover of the hostages occurred in two locations: Khan Younis in southern Gaza and Gaza City in the north.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, transferred 65-year-old Keith Shmonsel Segal, an Israeli-American citizen, to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza. Segal, who was dressed in dark clothing and carrying two envelopes containing gifts for himself and his wife, waved to onlookers before being escorted to Israel. Earlier in the day, Ofer Calderon, an Israeli-French citizen, and Yarden Bibas were also transferred by al-Qassam fighters to a platform in Gaza, where they were handed over to ICRC representatives.
The hostage handover process was organized with strict control, accompanied by a military parade of armed Hamas militants. This was in stark contrast to previous releases, which were marked by chaotic scenes and large crowds. The more orderly transfer aimed to prevent a repeat of the concerns raised during earlier exchanges, ensuring better security during the event.
Unlike earlier instances where large crowds had gathered, raising concerns from the Israeli side, the handover this time was tightly controlled to avoid disruptions. The event highlighted the careful management of the exchange, reflecting both sides' efforts to maintain order in the delicate process of the ceasefire and prisoner swap.
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