The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Thursday announced that the operational pause in the Gaza Strip will continue amid the mediator’s efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework.
The operation pause was set to end at 7 am (local time), The Times of Israel reported. According to the agreement, Hamas will need to release at least 10 hostages for every extra day of the pause in fighting. In turn, Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners for every 10 hostages.
Taking to “X”, the IDF stated, “The operational pause will continue in light of the mediators’ efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework.” Earlier, 10 Israeli hostages and four Thai nationals released on Wednesday started to arrive at hospitals in Israel for treatment and to reunite with their loved ones, according to the Israel Health Ministry, according to The Times of Israel report.
Two Israeli women with dual Russian citizenship were released earlier as a “gesture” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, separate from the deal with Israel, The Times of Israel reported. Meanwhile, Israeli Health Minister Uriel Busso slammed the Red Cross organisation over its lack of efforts to secure access to hostages held by Hamas and gain details about their wellbeing. He called Hamas a terrorist organisation that killed and kidnapped female children and the elderly. “In front of him, we need an organisation that will protect and give hope to the families of the captives, and provide medical information, any other conduct is consent and support for terrorism,” he mentioned in a post on “X”.
