Prisoner release continues between Gaza and Israel amid ceasefire

By Addison Brewer-Hay

Hamas-led militants freed eight hostages this Thursday as part of a ceasefire, but the nature of the tradeoff drew frustration from Israel. Following the hostage release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put plans to release 110 Palestinian prisoners on hold. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu later demanded a safer exit for hostages moving forward, and permitted the continuation of the prisoner release, according to Israeli media organizations.

Hamas released seven of the hostages in front of leader Yahya Sinwar’s destroyed home, per the Associated Press. The militant group called the release a “message of determination,” but it has triggered a series of disputes that have sent U.S. and Arab mediators struggling to bring amends. 

The ceasefire is aimed at ending the deadliest war fought between Israel and Hamas and triggering the release of hostages abducted in the militant group’s attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Since then, Israel responded with ground and air warfare that has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Currently, around 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced and neighborhoods have been brought to rubble. 

Despite this data, the Israeli military says it has killed 17,000 fighters, without evidence, and that they aimed to spare civilians. 

According to the Associated Press, Hamas stated that it won’t release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.