Israeli authorities announced on the 22nd (local time) that they had received a list of 50 hostages being released by Hamas and that up to 80 could possibly be released.
According to Haaretz and the Times of Israel, a high-ranking Israeli official confirmed that Hamas had received a list of 50 hostages, including children and women, to be handed over from 10 a.m. on the 23rd (5 p.m. Korean time).
A U.S. official also told reporters that Hamas had compiled a list of 50 identifiable hostages it plans to release in the coming days.
Israeli officials explained in a briefing that 12 to 13 hostages will be released at a time, and that Hamas plans to release a total of 50 hostages over four days.
It is said that the hostages are first handed over to the International Red Cross and then handed over to Israel again at the Gaza border checkpoint.
The media observed that the agreement includes a clause allowing the return of up to 80 hostages, which could increase the number of those released.
In that case, the number of hostages remaining in Hamas’ hands after this release will be reduced to at least 160.
Channel 12 News reported that the hostage release time may be extended until 4 p.m. (11 p.m. Korean time).
If the exchange and release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners is carried out along with a ceasefire, it will be the biggest diplomatic breakthrough in the military conflict that began with Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israeli territory on October 7.
Hamas invaded Israel and massacred 1,200 people, most of them civilians.
In addition, Hamas kidnapped more than 240 people and took them to the Gaza Strip as hostages.
Of these, 98 were women and children, and 40 were minors under the age of 19.
The number of Palestinians released in exchange for 50 Hamas hostages amounts to 150, mainly women and minor prisoners.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.