13 Israeli, 3 Thai, 1 Russian hostages released on 3rd day of Israel-Hamas truce

New Delhi, Nov 26: Hamas confirmed late on Sunday that they handed over 13 Israeli hostages, one Russian and three Thai nationals, to the Red Cross. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the Russian individual is a dual citizen of Russia and Israel. The International Committee of the Red Cross informed the IDF about the transfer of 14 Israeli hostages and three foreign hostages. Media said that the hostages were handed in North of Gaza unlike the last two days in the South of Gaza.

In exchange for the Israeli hostages, 39 Palestinians are set to be released as part of the ongoing four-day truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The truce, currently in its third day, has allowed for negotiations and the release of hostages. The Qatari mediators are actively involved in negotiating the truce deal, with the possibility of an extension.

As part of the recent agreement between Israel and Hamas, a total of 39 Israeli hostages, including women and children, have been released in the past three days. In return, 78 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli jails, and an additional 39 Palestinians are expected to be released today.
A separate deal between Hamas and the Egyptian government led to the release of 14 Thai hostages and one Filipino on Saturday, and three Thai nationals and a dual citizen of Russia and Israel on Sunday.

Gazans have utilized the temporary halt in hostilities to secure crucial supplies of fuel, food, and medicine. However, there were delays in the release of the second group of hostages last night.

The conflict, initiated by Hamas attacks on October 7, resulted in 1,200 casualties and the abduction of around 240 individuals. Israel's retaliatory campaign has led to over 14,500 deaths, according to Gaza's Hamas health ministry. Currently, 182 hostages are still held in Gaza, as reported by Israeli authorities.

During the truce, Gazans have taken the opportunity to gather essential supplies and assess the damage to their homes. The pause has also facilitated the entry of more supplies into the Palestinian territory. The UN confirmed the delivery of 129,000 Liters of fuel and 61 lorries of aid, including food, water, and medical supplies, marking the largest aid delivery since October 7. As the truce continues, people queue up to collect humanitarian aid on the third day of the four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas's attacks on October 7 resulted in 1,200 casualties and the abduction of around 240 individuals. Since then, Israel's retaliatory campaign has led to over 14,500 deaths, according to Gaza's Hamas health ministry.

FATALITIES REPORTED IN OVERNIGHT RAID IN WEST BANK

Palestinian officials have confirmed the tragic loss of seven lives in the occupied West Bank during the night. According to news agencies, five of the casualties occurred in Jenin, where the Israeli military conducted a raid to apprehend an individual suspected of involvement in an ambush last August.

The official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, stated that forces entered the city from multiple directions. The operation reportedly included the encirclement of the government hospital where there is also Red Crescent Society headquarters. During the incursion, Wafa reported damage caused by bulldozers on several streets in Jenin.

The circumstances surrounding these fatalities and the extent of the damage are still under investigation.