Gaza: Second group of captives were released by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel after United Nations’ aid trucks reached northern Gaza.

Despite four-day ceasefire, Al Jazeera reported Israeli forces were warning Gazans from heading north. Palestinian journalist said on Sunday IDF forces were arresting and shooting Palestinians in northern Gaza.

Around 39 Palestinians-six women and 33 minors were freed from Israeli prisons and reunited with their families. Meanwhile, at least six Palestinians were killed in occupied West Bank on Sunday as deadly raids by Israeli military forces continued over weekend.

Even after releases, more than 8,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli custody, including more than 2,200 administrative detainees held without charge or trial, reported Al Jazeera, adding that Israel has also continued to arrest more Palestinians in daily raids on occupied West Bank, even as it releases others.

Among captives released by Hamas were 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals.

Palestinian official familiar with diplomatic moves said Hamas would continue truce, first halt in fighting since October 7, when Israel launched an air and military invasion into Gaza following Hamas surprise raid claiming 1,200 lives and taking around 240 persons captives.

Besides, Palestine Red Crescent Society said that Israeli Occupation Forces were preventing emergency medical teams and ambulances from reaching injured persons in Jenin. It further stated that Israeli forces had besieged two hospitals in area.

In Gaza, United Nations said 61 trucks equipped with medical supplies, food and water had reached northern Gaza while another 200 trucks had been dispatched from Nitzana, Israel.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 27 2023

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