On Friday, thirteen Israeli, ten Thai and one Filipino hostages were exchanged for 39 Palestinian prisoners. Israel has now published the names of those freed. There are twelve women and one boy, no men among them.
The best-known face of the hostages released from Hamas hands is probably Yaffar Adar. The 85-year-old was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 – she was seen on a Hamas video being taken away in a golf cart.
Doron Katz (34) and her two daughters Aviv (2) and Raz (4) were also released. Ruth Mundar (78) was released along with her daughter Keren (54) and her grandson Ohad (9).
Danielle Aloni (44) was released together with her young daughter Emilia (5). The other hostages who can now return to their families are Adina Moshe (72), Hanna Katzir (77), Margalit Mozes (78) and Channa Peri (79).
The identities of the Thai and Filipino hostages have not been released. Some of them worked as guest workers in Israel when Hamas carried out its bloody attacks.
First Palestinians released
In return, 39 Palestinian prisoners, including “women and children,” were released, according to Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari.
The release of imprisoned Palestinian activist Marah Bakir has already been announced. The 23-year-old had been in Israeli custody for seven years after she attacked a police officer with a knife after school in Jerusalem at the age of 16. Bakir had always denied the allegations, but was also shot during the incident.
“Return all hostages”
In the evening, Netanyahu announced the return of all people kidnapped by Hamas as his goal. “We are determined to bring back all our hostages,” Netanyahu said. “This is one of the objectives of the war and we are determined to achieve all the objectives of the war.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vienna welcomed the release of “13 innocent women and children” on Friday evening on X. “After weeks of suffering, they will finally be reunited with their families.” Now the full implementation of the agreement is crucial. “This important first step must be followed by the release of all hostages,” the post said.
Fifty hostages must be released
As part of a four-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that began Friday morning, a total of 50 of about 240 Hamas hostages will be released. In return, 150 Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli prisons.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
