The Release of the First Hostages Expected for Sunday
The Israeli government has announced that the first group of hostages will be released on Sunday, marking a meaningful step in the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas. While the exact number of hostages and the timing of their release remain unspecified, three reception points have been established on Israel’s southern border with Gaza. These include the Kerem Shalom and Eretz crossings, as well as a location near Kibbutz Reim, according to a military official.Medical teams will be on standby to provide immediate care to the captives.
According to sources close to Hamas, the initial group of hostages set to be released includes three Israeli women. This advancement comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded a list of the hostages to be released before proceeding with the exchange. In response, israel has designated 95 Palestinian detainees for release, the majority of whom are women and minors arrested after October 7, 2023.Their release is scheduled to occur after 4 p.m. local time (3 p.m. Paris time).
Among the Palestinian prisoners expected to be freed is Zakaria Zubeidi, a former local leader of the armed wing of Fatah, known for his involvement in anti-Israeli attacks. Zubeidi was arrested and imprisoned in 2019, and his release has sparked significant attention.
The hostage release also includes two franco-Israelis, Ofer Kalderon, 54, and Ohad Yahalomi, 50, who were kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz along with several of their children. Their children were released during an initial one-week truce in November 2023, and their return has been a focal point of international efforts.
The emotional weight of this moment was captured by Shahar Mor Zahiro, the nephew of one of the deceased hostages, who told agence France-Presse during a exhibition in Tel Aviv, “When they cross the border [de Gaza] and they will be reunited with their families, then maybe we can breathe again.”
Key Details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Release Date | Sunday |
| Reception Points | Kerem Shalom, Eretz crossings, near Kibbutz Reim |
| Hostages Expected | Three Israeli women, two Franco-Israelis |
| Palestinian Detainees| 95, mostly women and minors |
| Release Time | After 4 p.m. local time (3 p.m.Paris time) |
| Notable Prisoner | Zakaria Zubeidi, former Fatah leader |
This exchange represents a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for families awaiting the return of their loved ones.As the process unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting peace to the region.
