Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on Thursday after receiving the bodies of four hostages from Hamas. This release is part of a fragile ceasefire deal, which has seen hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. The Palestinian prisoners, more than 600 in total, were freed, with some arriving at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. The exchange follows a tense period involving Hamas’s handling of hostages from Israel’s October 7, 2023 attack, which had led to widespread violence and calls for negotiation on a second phase of the ceasefire.
As tensions continue, Hamas announced that Israel now has no choice but to begin negotiations for this second phase of the ceasefire. This development was met with mixed reactions, including both celebrations and mournful gatherings. Meanwhile, the Israeli military reported airstrikes on Gaza in response to projectiles fired from there, although these attacks have been limited.
The ceasefire has brought some relief but remains fragile, as efforts continue to bring an end to the conflict and secure further agreements.
