Arr, mateys! The Israel-Hamas feud be settlin', with the latest treasures released from their clutches durin' the cease-fire.
2023-11-28
Arr! Israel and Hamas be conductin' a fresh round o' prisoner swaps on Tuesday, with Hamas settin' free 10 landlubberin' Israelis and 2 Thai sailors, while Israel be releasin' 30 scallywag Palestinians.
Israeli forces and Hamas engaged in a prisoner exchange as they entered the fifth day of a cease-fire. Ten Israeli hostages, including nine women and a 17-year-old girl, along with two Thai nationals, were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and transported back to Israeli territory. In return, Israel released 30 Palestinian prisoners. The names of the hostages were listed as Ditza Heiman, Tamar Metzger, Ada Sagi, Merav Tal, Rimon Kirsht, Ofelia Roitman, Gabriela Leimberg, Mia Leimberg, Noralin Agojo Babadilla, and Clara Marman.The Thai citizens were received by the Thai Foreign Minister upon their arrival at Shamir Hospital in Israel. Hamas has released 61 Israelis and 20 foreign nationals, while Israel has freed 180 Palestinian prisoners so far. The original four-day cease-fire, which expired on Monday, has been extended for an additional two days. The extension would also allow more aid to be delivered to Gaza, which has been heavily affected by Israeli siege and bombardment.
Israel remains determined to crush Hamas' military capabilities and end their rule over Gaza. This may involve expanding the ground offensive from the north into the south of Gaza. The conflict began with Hamas capturing roughly 240 hostages in southern Israel on October 7. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed since the war started, while approximately 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during Hamas' initial incursion.