Not less than 90 Palestinian prisoners have been freed by Israel as part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
The Israeli prison service confirmed that most of the released prisoners were women and children, who were warmly welcomed with cheers in the occupied West Bank.
Meanwhile, Hamas released three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza City, later handed over to the Israeli military.
The freed Israeli hostages—Doron Steinbrecher (31), dual British-Israeli Emily Damari (28), and Romi Gonen (24)—are now receiving medical care in a Tel Aviv hospital and are reportedly in stable condition.
Hamas announced that for every Israeli hostage released, 30 Palestinian prisoners would be freed.
According to Aljazeera, in the first phase of the deal, Hamas is expected to return a total of 33 Israeli captives over the next 42 days – with the next release due on Saturday.
The second phase of ceasefire negotiations is due to begin in two weeks.
This ceasefire brings a glimmer of hope amidst prolonged conflict.
