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Hamas-led militants have freed eight hostages in the Gaza Strip as part of ongoing efforts to uphold the ceasefire agreement that came into effect earlier this month. The release was marred by a chaotic scene in which a crowd of Palestinians surrounded and jeered at the hostages as they were handed over to the Red Cross.
The truce aims to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was triggered by Hamas' attack into Israel on October 7, 2023. Despite some initial disagreements over the release sequence, the ceasefire has largely held.
The first hostage, Israeli soldier Agam Berger, was released in northern Gaza, followed by a tense handover in Khan Younis, where a large crowd gathered to witness the release of Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Moses, along with five unidentified Thai nationals.
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Among those set to be released from Israeli prisons are individuals serving life sentences for deadly attacks against Israelis, including former militant leader Zakaria Zubeidi. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar played key roles in resolving disputes over the release process.
While Palestinians have celebrated the release of prisoners, Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas. The ceasefire's next phase will involve further negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and ensure a lasting peace.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with thousands killed and widespread destruction across Gaza. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many displaced and living in precarious conditions.
As efforts continue to navigate the complexities of the ceasefire agreement, the region remains on edge, with the specter of renewed violence looming if a comprehensive resolution is not reached.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's war coverage.