Israel has released three hostages, including a French-Israeli dual national, in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, in the latest stage of a truce aimed at ending the 15-month war in Gaza.
The handover took place on Saturday, with no chaotic scenes reported, unlike in an earlier transfer last week. The move brings the total number of hostages released to 18, including five Thais who were part of an unscheduled release.
In exchange for the three Israeli hostages, Israel will release 583 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including militants serving life sentences for deadly attacks. The deal aims to build a wider settlement and lead to a final end of the war in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with the ceasefire in Gaza, as well as Saudi Arabia’s normalization efforts. Negotiations are due to start by Tuesday on agreements for the release of remaining hostages and Israeli troops withdrawal from Gaza.
The initial six-week truce has stayed on track despite incidents that led to accusations from both sides. The war started with a Hamas-led attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people, and saw over 250 taken as hostages. The Israeli military campaign killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, leaving Gaza in ruins.
As Gazans return home, the full extent of devastation has become clear, with reconstruction expected to take 10-15 years. Israeli leaders insist Hamas cannot remain in Gaza, but the movement continues to exert control despite losses during the war.
The ceasefire deal’s prospects for a durable settlement remain unclear, with both sides committed to reaching an agreement in the second phase.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/three-israeli-hostages-set-be-released-latest-gaza-exchange-2025-02-01