Hamas exchanges more hostages and prisoners, extends ceasefire

Israel - Hamas trao đổi thêm con tin và tù nhân, gia hạn lệnh ngừng bắn - Ảnh 1. — Hostages handed over by Hamas to Red Cross workers in Gaza

AFP news agency reported that Israeli officials said on November 28 that 33 Palestinian prisoners were released overnight under a deal to return hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The latest round of transfers brings to 150 the number of Palestinians released by Israel during the four-day ceasefire. Earlier, 11 hostages from the Gaza Strip returned safely, hours after Israel announced that its ceasefire with Hamas would be extended for two more days.

Qatar, which acted as an intermediary, said the latest batch of hostages were Israelis with French, German or Argentine citizenship. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock welcomed the release of 11 hostages in Gaza, including "two German teenagers, after 52 days of suffering and despair."

Hamas-Israel reach agreement to extend ceasefire for 2 days in Gaza

The Israeli military said in a statement that "our forces will accompany them until they are reunited with their families." So far, Hamas has released a total of 69 hostages, mostly women and children.

Just hours before the humanitarian ceasefire was due to end, Hamas said a deal had been reached to extend it for another 48 hours, with the same terms.

The extended ceasefire opens up hope for the release of more hostages and prisoners, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called "a ray of hope and humanity amid the darkness of war".

This week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will make his third visit to the Middle East since the conflict broke out, a US official said.

Accordingly, the top US diplomat will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

“During meetings in the Middle East, the Secretary will emphasize the need to maintain the increased flow of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, ensure the release of all hostages, and improve the protection of civilians in Gaza,” the official said.

The smoke has temporarily cleared, Gaza is devastated and worried about the future

In addition, Mr. Blinken plans to discuss with regional partners the principles set for the future of Gaza and the need to establish an independent Palestinian state.

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