Fifth batch of hostages to be handed over – Thirty Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails today – Israel appears open to extending truce, senior diplomatic source says
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said 12 hostages, including 10 Israelis and two Thais, are now on Israeli soil after crossing the Rafah crossing into Egypt.
This is the fifth group of hostages previously handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross as part of the agreement it has concluded with Israel.
Emanuel Fabian of the Times of Israel published a list of the 10 Israeli hostages who were reportedly released tonight:
The 10 Israeli hostages released from Hamas captivity tonight: Ditza Heiman, Tamar Metzger, Noralin Babadila Agojo, Ada Sagi, Meirav Tal, Rimon Kirsht, Ofelia Roitman, Gabriela Leimberg and her daughter Mia, and Clara Marman. pic.twitter.com/y87Wc2tLw7
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) November 28, 2023
The Israeli prime minister’s office then released the names of the hostages
These are:
Tamar Metzger (age 78)
Ditza Hayman (84)
Norlin Babdila (60)
Ada Sagi (75)
Ophelia Edith Roitman (77)
Rimon Kirsht (36)
Merav Tal (53)
The Leimberg family – Gabriela Leimberg (59), Mia Leimberg (17)
Clara Marman (63)
According to the IDF, After an initial medical evaluation, the freed hostages will continue to be escorted by IDF soldiers as they head to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families.
The same time, thirty Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli prisons today, Tuesday according to information released by both the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club and the Israeli prison authorities.
They are 15 women and 15 children, all boys, who are all under the age of 18 and are considered children under international law.
Update: Palestinians released from Israeli prisons include 15 minors and 15 women.
— д. Majid Muhammad Al-Ansari Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) November 28, 2023
Rumors of a new extension of the truce
At the same time, a senior diplomatic source told the Ynet news website that negotiations to extend the temporary ceasefire in Gaza did not include consideration of proposals to extend the ceasefire beyond 10 days, however, Israel seems open to such a possibility.
“If there is a specific proposal, the cabinet will consider it, but nothing has happened. If we see that it is a serious proposal, we will consider it,” they say.
“If we can get as many hostages out as possible in 10 days, that’s great,” he argued. “No one forgets the goal of the war and no one will agree to something as ridiculous as disarmament,” he added.
Channel 12 reports that Israel is expected to present a proposal to release all hostages in exchange for all Palestinian prisoners and end the war, a proposal that Jerusalem will reject.
“Our eye remains on the ball,” the Israeli source said. “The return of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas’ military and government capabilities are two complementary goals – one does not replace the other.”
Channel 13 reports that Israel is interested in extending the current ceasefire agreement to get at least 30 more hostages out.
Source :Skai
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