The Israeli group representing families of hostages in Gaza expressed joy on Friday upon learning that three prominent male hostages would be released by Hamas the next day. In a reciprocal move, Palestinian officials announced that Israel is set to free 90 prisoners as part of this exchange.
This marks the fourth series of exchanges within an ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The initial phase of this truce stipulates the release of 33 hostages alongside nearly 2,000 prisoners. Additionally, it aims to facilitate the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza while increasing humanitarian assistance to the besieged region.
Among those set to be freed on Saturday is Yarden Bibas, a 35-year-old man, which has reignited concern for the Bibas family’s well-being. Hamas claims that his wife and two young sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike, although Israel has yet to verify this assertion.
In another significant development, Gaza health authorities have reported that the long-closed Rafah border crossing with Egypt will reopen on Saturday, allowing thousands of Palestinians in need of medical assistance to access care. This advancement suggests that the ceasefire agreement is progressing positively.
Zakaria Zubeidi, a notable figure among the Palestinian prisoners released on Thursday in connection to the hostage exchange, conveyed that the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has escalated to an intolerable level that is influencing global political dynamics. Zubeidi, who gained recognition as a militant leader during the second intifada from 2000 to 2005, once led the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, a group associated with Fatah. After abandoning violence, he has since advocated for cultural resistance against the Israeli occupation.
Speaking to a crowd in Ramallah following his release, Zubeidi condemned the escalating violence against Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza, stressing the urgent need to establish a Palestinian state. He articulated a deep sense of anxiety that has pervaded the lives of Palestinians for decades, calling for immediate action to secure both freedom and statehood.
In an update regarding the prisoner releases, the Palestinian Ministry of Prisoners Affairs has confirmed that Israel will release nine Palestinians serving life sentences along with 81 others facing lengthy sentences as part of the ongoing exchanges with Hamas. The specific identities of these prisoners have yet to be disclosed.
In return, Hamas will release three Israeli hostages who were abducted during the attacks on October 7, 2023, totaling the number of released hostages thus far to fifteen, alongside numerous Palestinian prisoners.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli hostage who was among the first to be released, has reported that Hamas held her in facilities operated by the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA). In a statement on X, her mother detailed the situation, claiming that Emily was denied access to necessary medical treatment after being shot twice during her captivity.
UNRWA, established in 1949, plays a vital role in providing support to Palestinian refugees across the region. Israel has heavily criticized the agency, alleging that it is infiltrated by militant groups, but UNRWA denies these accusations.
In response, a spokesperson from UNRWA affirmed their seriousness regarding these claims and reiterated the need for independent investigations into the purported misuse of their facilities.
While the Bibas family awaits Yarden’s return, their emotions remain complicated as they grapple with the loss of his wife and children. Yarden Bibas, who is scheduled to be released soon, was captured alongside his family, and there is considerable media attention on their situation. The absence of his family adds to the complexity of the situation, as Yarden’s relatives express their hope for his emotional well-being upon his return.
The fate of the Bibas family resonates with the Israeli public, with the color orange symbolizing their plight and rallying support from across the nation.
A significant development has arisen in the reopening of the Rafah crossing, which serves as Gaza’s sole border access to Egypt. A European diplomat announced on Friday that the crossing is prepared to receive Palestinian medical patients, marking a major turning point since it was shut down nearly nine months ago.
Former border officers from the Palestinian Authority will oversee operations at the crossing, assisted by European Union monitors. Discussions have been held to ensure that only individuals without ties to Hamas manage the sensitive crossing, which will initially serve those requiring urgent medical care.
Following a statement from the governor of North Sinai in Egypt, it was confirmed that the Rafah crossing would be opened to facilitate the evacuation of wounded Palestinians from Gaza. This significant development reflects the commitment of Egyptian officials to assist in restoring access for those injured and in need.
Simultaneously, the Palestinian Health Ministry stated that the World Health Organization had arranged transport for patients to exit through the Rafah crossing, which has historically served as a lifeline for the besieged area.
The involvement of EU representatives aims to ensure a smooth operation as the Rafah crossing prepares to function once again, offering hope for those needing medical attention.
Hamas has officially announced the names of three male hostages slated for release as part of the ongoing negotiations. Yarden Bibas is joined by Keith Siegel, 65, and Ofer Kalderon, 54, both of whom were also taken captive during the October attacks.
Bibas was seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and while his release is imminent, concern remains for the fate of his family, who are still unaccounted for. Meanwhile, Siegel, an American-Israeli, and Kalderon, a French-Israeli, were taken during the same period, and both are anticipated to return under this deal.
As the situation unfolds, both families and the broader public are left hoping for a resolution and for those still unaccounted to be safely returned.
