Finally, a four-day temporary ceasefire began in Gaza. Like the agreement, the exchange of prisoners took place today. Hamas was rumored to release 13 Israelis. But the Palestinian group released 12 more Thai citizens with them. They entered Egypt through the Rafah border.
On October 7, Hamas launched its first attack on Israel. After that the war started. After seven long weeks of fighting, finally a brief respite. Qatar said the ceasefire started around 10:30 am Indian time. It is heard that Hamas can release a total of 50 people in four days. Today, Hamas first handed over the prisoners to the Red Cross, a voluntary organization. Under their supervision, the prisoners entered Egypt through the Rafah border. From there they will return home. In the presence of Qatar and America, it is heard that Hamas-Israel had such an agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he is monitoring the ceasefire and prisoner exchange process. Keeping in touch with the families of the prisoners. Israel reported that more than half of the 240 people held by Hamas were foreign nationals (many with dual citizenship). They are citizens of Argentina, Britain, Chile, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Thailand and America. 23 Thai workers were picked up by Hamas. 12 of them were released today. Another 32 Tai activists were killed in the October 7 attack. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand said that at least 32,000 citizens of that country are involved in the agricultural sector of Israel. Today, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Shretta Tavisin, wrote on the X handle, “It has been confirmed by the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that 12 Thai prisoners have been released. Embassy staff will reach them within an hour.”
Majed Al Ansari, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, said that the Palestinians imprisoned in Israel will also be released today. A list has been created. However, it is not clear how many names are on that list. At least 39 women, teenagers may be released. Palestinians gather outside the Israeli Ofer prison in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Qatar and America are overseeing the whole process. American President Joe Biden held one-on-one meetings with the Emir of Qatar and the Israeli Prime Minister. After that the deal was finalized. Resolved, that no one shall attack by air or land during the truce. There will be no drones in the sky. Prisoners will be exchanged in a secure environment. However, sirens could be heard in two Israeli villages bordering the Gaza Strip minutes after the cease-fire began. Palestine is warned of possible rocket attacks. It is not known whether the rocket attack actually took place.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant insists today that the four-day ceasefire was only a brief pause. After that, Israel will start the war again with full force. “We will not stop until our goals are met. Hamas will be completely destroyed. The prisoners from Gaza will be returned to Israel. They have taken 240 people – we cannot accept that,” Gallant said. However, 14,850 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the last seven weeks of war. Out of which 6150 children.
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