Israel Releases More Palestinian Prisoners as Hamas Extends Cease-Fire
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel released another group of Palestinian prisoners on Friday, following the release of hostages by Hamas under an agreement to extend their cease-fire by another day in Gaza.
Israeli prisoners were released after eight weeks in captivity and were brought to Israel for medical evaluations and to be reunited with their families, the Israeli military said. The prisoners were warmly welcomed home in the West Bank city of Ramallah by a large crowd of men, some of whom held green Hamas flags.
Meanwhile, international pressure has been mounting for the truce to continue as long as possible after weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign following Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which led to widespread destruction and led to a humanitarian crisis. However, with many hostages still remaining in captivity, Hamas is expected to set a higher price for their release.
The truce was set to expire on Friday, but international mediators, including the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are working to extend it. The talks appear to be growing tougher, with Hamas having already released most of the women and children it kidnapped on Oct. 7, and is expected to make greater demands in return for freeing scores of civilian men and soldiers.
Hamas also claimed responsibility for a recent attack on people waiting for buses along a main highway entering Jerusalem, prompting fears of escalating violence that could impact the cease-fire in Gaza.
Despite the complexity and challenges facing the negotiations, there is hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict as international leaders continue to be involved in the mediation process. Both sides are being urged to avoid further devastating loss of life and to seek a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.