The families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas expressed relief and happiness on Friday upon learning that three men from the same kibbutz, who were taken during the conflict on October 7, 2023, are expected to be released on Saturday. This release is part of a deal that will see over 300 Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli detention set free in exchange.
The announcement from Hamas included the names of the three men, signifying a potential stabilization of a fragile ceasefire that has faced recent challenges. Most of the remaining 73 hostages, primarily men including Israeli soldiers, are feared to be deceased.
Since the ceasefire commenced on January 19, there have been five exchanges, resulting in the release of 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners. Tensions remain, as negotiations for a more complex second phase of the agreement are underway, focused on the return of all remaining hostages following Hamas’s initial attack and ensuring a prolonged ceasefire.
In other developments:
A senior commander with the United Nations peacekeeping force, stationed in Lebanon, sustained injuries when a protest group targeted a convoy heading to Beirut airport. The UNIFIL peacekeeping mission expressed dismay over the assault, emphasizing their commitment to security and stability in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese military intervened to manage the situation, pledging to locate those responsible for the attack.
Demonstrators have taken to blocking roads in the capital, protesting against the government’s decision to deny a commercial flight from Iran landing privileges in Beirut, amid accusations that Iran has been aiding Hezbollah with cash smuggling via civilian air routes.
In a separate incident in the West Bank, a group of Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian village, leaving at least 16 Palestinians wounded. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that some individuals were hospitalized due to their injuries, while others received treatment on the scene. The Israeli military categorized the clash as a “violent confrontation” involving property damage and personal assaults, requiring intervention from police and soldiers.
Among the notable Palestinians scheduled for release on Saturday is Ahmed Barghouti, who is associated with prominent Palestinian figure Marwan Barghouti. Ahmed was handed a life sentence for facilitating attacks that resulted in Israeli civilian casualties during the second intifada and had been imprisoned since 2002. Along with Ahmed, 23 other prisoners serving life sentences for various attacks against Israelis are set to be deported to Egypt.
Approximately 369 Palestinians detained by Israel are slated for release in exchange for the three Israeli hostages, according to the Palestinian Authority’s commission of prisoners’ affairs. Most prisoners will return to Gaza or be sent to Egypt. The list includes eight Palestinian individuals who will be welcomed by families and supporters back in the West Bank, alongside others who will face deportation.
In Lebanon, a protest turned violent as demonstrators set fire to vehicles belonging to UN peacekeepers, resulting in damage to three vehicles while the details about injuries remain unclear. The protests were related to the government’s cancellation of flight permissions for an Iranian plane, which caused disruptions for stranded passengers.
At the United Nations, the Palestinian ambassador, supported by approximately 30 other nations, reiterated calls for robust adherence to the Gaza ceasefire accord. Ambassador Mansour emphasized the determination of Palestinians to return to their homeland and the places they cherish despite challenges ahead.
In Deir al-Balah, individuals displaced by the ongoing conflict expressed fear of a return to violence while striving for basic necessities. There are reports of a charity kitchen providing support amidst rising food prices, as many residents struggle for stability in makeshift camps.
The U.S. general overseeing the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement noted “significant progress” as the ultimate deadline approaches. However, ambiguity surrounds Israel’s complete troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as conflicting reports arise regarding whether the agreement’s terms will be fulfilled on time.
Additionally, the families of the Israeli hostages being released include dual nationals from Gonzalez. Iair Horn, Alexander Troufanov, and Sagui Dekel Chen are all connected to Kibbutz Nir Oz, where a number of residents were abducted during the October 7 attack.
Finally, Turkey’s President Erdogan vehemently criticized Trump’s approach to relocating Palestinians from Gaza, arguing it disregards regional history and values. Erdogan stressed the need for a collaborative approach in addressing Middle Eastern conflicts, underscoring that the expulsion of Palestinians is wholly intolerable.
