Topline
Hamas released 12 Israeli hostages, including multiple with dual nationalities, and at least four Thai hostages on Wednesday, the final day of a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas—as negotiators consider a multi-day extension of the truce.
On Wednesday, two women joined more than 80 hostages who have been released by Hamas in recent days, … [+]
Key Facts
Hamas released the first two hostages of the sixth round—Russian citizens Yelena Trupanob and Irena Tati—in part as a gesture to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been increasingly critical of Israel’s military campaign in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
Later in the day, 10 more Israelis—five women and five minors—and four Thai nationals were given to the Red Cross by Hamas, Majed Al Ansari, Qatar’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, confirmed on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Al Ansari said there were three Israeli-Germans released, one minor who also has Dutch citizenship and one Israeli-American.
In compliance with its end of the agreement, Israel freed 30 Palestinians—16 minors and 14 women—from Israeli prisons on Wednesday, Al Ansari said on X.
Key Background
Over the course of the six-day cease-fire, Hamas has released dozens of Israeli citizens who were taken to Gaza during the group’s deadly Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The group has also released some captured people of other nationalities in deals separate from the agreement with Israel. In addition to the 50 Israeli hostages released in the first four days, 19 Thai hostages and at least one Filipino and one Russian hostage were released.
What To Watch For
Negotiations are reportedly underway to extend the truce between Israel and Hamas and continue releasing hostages. A spokesperson for the Qatari government—which has helped broker the talks—told CNN the country is optimistic the deal will be extended.
Further Reading
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2023/11/29/hamas-releases-more-hostages-including-1-american-as-6-day-truce-with-israel-nears-end/