In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict, Hamas has handed over US-Israeli citizen Keith Siegel to the Red Cross. Siegel was abducted during the deadly October 7, 2023 attacks. The handover took place with a heavy presence of Hamas fighters, and Siegel was seen waving to a crowd from a stage as he was transferred.
This handover marks a part of a broader series of releases under the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. In the latest round of exchanges, two other hostages, Ofer Kalderon and Yardin Bibas, were freed. Bibas is the father of one of the youngest captives in Gaza.
Hamas has stated that it expects Israel to release 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, with 18 of these prisoners serving life sentences. Additionally, 111 individuals were arrested in Gaza after the attacks on October 7, according to the Hamas Prisoners Media Office.
The situation around the Rafah crossing, which links Gaza to Egypt, is also in focus. It is anticipated to open on Saturday, but Israel has issued a warning that it will not proceed if there is a repeat of the chaos that surrounded the release of seven hostages earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, humanitarian efforts in Gaza are expected to intensify as part of the ceasefire agreement. The deal mandates an increase in the number of aid trucks entering the enclave, with the daily figure set to rise to 600. This influx of aid is critical as living conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with many residents facing severe shortages of basic necessities.
