Israel released additional Palestinian prisoners early Thursday following Hamas’ release of 16 hostages in the latest swap under the ongoing Gaza truce. International mediators are rushing to finalise a deal for further exchanges and extend the halt of Israel’s offensive. The Israeli military confirmed the return of 10 Israeli women and children, four Thai nationals, and two Russian-Israeli women.
In a separate release, Israel later freed more Palestinian prisoners, expected to be around 30 under the truce terms. Negotiations for a truce extension are intensifying as the deadline approaches, with international pressure for a continued ceasefire amid the recent conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised that Israel would resume its campaign against Hamas after completing the phase of returning abductees.
He spoke ahead of a visit to the region by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to press for further extensions of the truce and hostage releases. Blinken arrived in Israel late Wednesday.
Thus far, the Israeli offensive in Gaza appears to have had limited impact on Hamas’ rule. Hamas has demonstrated its ability to conduct complex negotiations, enforce the ceasefire among other armed groups, and orchestrate hostage releases. Key Hamas leaders, including Yehya Sinwar, have likely relocated to the south.
With Israeli forces controlling much of northern Gaza, a ground invasion south could result in an escalating cost in Palestinian lives and destruction. The majority of Gaza’s population is now concentrated in the south. While the truce has brought relief from bombardment, the days of calm have been marked by a frenzied rush to obtain supplies to feed families as aid enters in greater, though still insufficient, amounts.
The United States, Israel’s main ally, has expressed greater caution over the impact of the war in Gaza. The Biden administration has conveyed to Israel that if it launches an offensive in the south, it must operate with far greater precision.
In the West Bank, Israeli troops reportedly killed two Palestinian boys—an 8-year-old and a 15-year-old—during a raid on the town of Jenin, according to Palestinian health officials. Security footage showed a group of boys in the street, with one falling to the ground, bleeding. The Israeli military stated its troops fired on individuals who threw explosives at them, but it did not specify if this referred to the boys, who were not seen throwing anything. Separately, the military reported that its troops killed
two Islamic Jihad militants during the raid.
