An Israeli source told news outlets that Israel has received the list of hostages who are expected to be freed from Gaza on Sunday. This is the third day of hostage releases since a truce that temporarily halted the fighting between Israel and Hamas came into force on Friday. The truce stipulates that 50 hostages will be released over four days, while Palestinian prisoners will also be freed gradually.
On Friday, 24 hostages — 13 Israeli civilians and 11 foreigners — were released, and on Saturday, another 17 — 13 Israelis and four Thais — were freed. The IDF said on Sunday morning that the 17 hostages who were freed on Saturday have left the initial meeting point in Israel.
The IDF said in a statement that the 17 freed hostages — 13 Israelis and four Thais — received a medical check-up, and one of them was taken to a hospital an hour ago. The rest are on their way to hospitals, where they will meet their families.
The truce, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, was declared on Thursday after 11 days of fierce fighting between Israel and Hamas, the group that rules Gaza. The conflict killed at least 248 people in Gaza, including 66 children, and 12 people in Israel, including two children, according to health officials on both sides.
The truce is meant to allow humanitarian aid and create a favorable atmosphere for talks on a permanent ceasefire and the swap of prisoners and hostages. Both sides have claimed victory in the conflict, but the situation is still unstable and violence could erupt again at any time.
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