A hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas has begun.
It’s part of a deal that includes a temporary cease fire and hostage-prisoner exchange been Israel and Hamas, that is being hailed as the first real diplomatic breakthrough since the relentless bombardment of Gaza began.
The war was triggered by a brutal attack on Israeli citizens on October 7 that included the abduction of some 240 people.
Thirteen Israelis, 12 Thais and 39 Palestinians were freed this morning. They are the first of 50 Israelis who Hamas had agreed to release in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners – women and teens – being held in Israel.
The exchange and temporary ceasefire was brokered by Qatar. Much-needed humanitarian aid is starting to pour into Gaza from Egypt but UN agencies are warning it’s not nearly enough to meet the needs.
Chief of the World Health Organization, Tedros Ghebreyesus calls the movement of aid into Gaza “a step in the right direction, but much more is needed.”
He and other humanitarian groups are calling for a sustained ceasefire beyond four days.
We welcome the start of the humanitarian pause in #Gaza and the movement of humanitarian aid, including for health.
It's a step in the right direction, but much more is needed.
We continue to call for sustained ceasefire to end further civilian suffering.
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) November 24, 2023
