- Hamas released 13 Israeli and four Thai hostages on Saturday evening, the IDF announced.
- In exchange, Israel was set to release 39 Palestinians.
- The exchange of captives was delayed by hours on Saturday amid a tense standoff over the terms of the cease-fire.
The Israeli military confirmed Saturday evening that Hamas released 13 Israeli and four Thai hostages. It was the second exchange of captives within days, and was delayed by hours on Saturday due to a tense dispute between Israel and Hamas.
The hostages were transferred via Egypt and taken to Israeli hospitals, where the Israel Defense Forces said they would be reunited with their families. The hostages included seven children, ranging in age from 3 to 16, and six women, ranging in age from 18 to 67, according to the Associated Press.
In exchange for the hostages, Israel was set to release 39 Palestinians.
The swap was delayed by several hours on Saturday after Hamas alleged that Israel hadn’t fulfilled its half of the agreement, including allowing sufficient aid to reach northern Gaza, according to The New York Times. Israel denied Hamas’ allegations.
Saturday marked the second day of a four-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, which have been fighting since October 7 when Hamas fighters killed an estimated 1,200 people in a surprise attack on southern Israel. Hamas took approximately 240 hostages amid the attack.
Under the terms of the cease-fire, Hamas agreed to release some 50 Israelis in exchange for Israel releasing 150 Palestinians. On Friday, the first day of the cease-fire, Hamas released 25 hostages — including a 2-year-old child — and Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 24 women and 15 teenage boys.
