Hamas Frees First Batch Of Hostages, Including 13 Israelis

The Hamas terrorists released 12 Thailand hostages from Gaza on Friday along with 13 Israeli captives, according to the head of Egypt's state information service.

The hostages are expected to pass through the Rafah crossing with Egypt. On the other hand, 39 Palestinian prisoners are also to be released by Israel.

As part of a four-day cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which commenced on Friday, essential aid is now able to reach Gaza. This truce also sets the stage for the release of numerous hostages held by militants and Palestinians detained by Israel.

In the hours following the initiation of the cease-fire, there have been no reports of fighting. This agreement brings relief to Gaza's 2.3 million residents, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and faced shortages of essential supplies.

Also, it addresses concerns of families in Israel with loved ones taken captive during Hamas' October 7 attack, a triggering event for the conflict.

The release of the first group of Israeli hostages was followed in the evening by the freeing of 39 Palestinian prisoners - 24 women, including some convicted of attempted murder for attacks on Israeli forces, and 15 teenagers jailed for offences like throwing stones.

It is the first major diplomatic breakthrough and pause in fighting since the war began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

The announcement comes amid a strong assertion from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the "war will continue until all our goals are achieved".

Following a marathon six-hour meeting in Tel Aviv that ended in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the Israeli Cabinet approved a deal mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States by a 35-3 vote with ministers from the extreme right-wing Otzma Yehudit party of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voting against.

Israel began attacking Gaza after Hamas fighters crossed the border on 7 October, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 others hostage Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 14,000 people - including more than 5,000 children - have been killed in Israel's campaign.