Prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel continues. Second hostage swap has begun

The second hostage swap under the prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel has begun.

According to a report by Reuters, the armed wing of Hamas announced that it has handed over 13 Israeli hostages and 7 foreign nationals to the Red Cross.

The Israel Defense Forces spokesperson stated that the process regarding the release of the hostages is ongoing. 

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs had announced that the crisis regarding the delayed hostage swap had been overcome and that the exchange would take place tonight. Shortly after the announcement, Hamas released 20 hostages, 13 of whom were Israeli. Israel will release 39 Palestinians tonight.

In a written statement, Hamas noted that it had responded positively to the efforts made throughout the day by Egypt and Qatar to keep the agreement in effect, after Israel conveyed to the mediators that it would comply with all the conditions stipulated by the agreement. 

HAMAS HAD ANNOUNCED IT WAS DELAYING THE PRISONER EXCHANGE

The mutual release of prisoners under the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas was expected to continue today. In line with this, the Palestinian prisoners to be released were transferred to Ofer Prison. During the transfer, Israeli forces had taken security measures in front of the prison, but Hamas had announced that it was delaying the release of the hostages until Israel allowed aid trucks to enter the northern part of Gaza.

With the mediation of Qatar and Egypt, the crisis in the hostage swap agreement was overcome and the process was restarted. 

News Source: 12punto

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