Hamas releases first Israeli and Thai hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners amid pause in fighting -- Washington Post

Gaza StripWashington Post

Nov. 24, 2023

The first 13 Israeli hostages were freed from Hamas captivity Friday as part of the captive exchange deal between Israel and Hamas; dozens of Palestinian women and teenagers who were held in Israeli prisons were being released in exchange, according to a spokesperson for the foreign ministry of Qatar.

Separately, Hamas also released about a dozen Thai nationals who had been held hostage, though there were conflicting reports Friday on the exact number released.

A pause in fighting in Gaza went into effect Friday morning — the first respite in seven weeks of war — as aid trucks entered the Palestinian enclave.

 Fifty Israeli hostages are expected to be freed over the four-day pause in fighting in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israel under the agreement.

Key updates:

In the West Bank, euphoric crowds throng released Palestinians

Israeli prime minister’s office publishes names of 13 freed Israeli hostages

Thirty-nine Palestinian women and teenagers who were being held in Israeli prisons have been released, said...

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