Israeli and Thai Authorities Confirm Release of Eight Hostages as Part of Prisoner Swap
In a significant development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday that eight hostages, including two Israelis and five Thais, had been handed over to the Red Cross after a morning handover, with two more Israelis and five Thais regaining their freedom by midday. The IDF stated that the hostages are currently being escorted by IDF forces and the National Security Agency (ISA) as they return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo a primary medical examination.
The prisoner swap, the third of its kind, is expected to see the release of 110 Palestinians from Israeli prisons in exchange for the eight hostages. The Hamas organization claims that the released Palestinians will include 30 children. The deal marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and prisoners in the region.