The hostage/prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel seems to have gone on without a hitch today. AP reported that Hamas released three male Israeli hostages today, parading them before a crowd in the southern Gaza Strip before handing them over to the Red Cross. “They appeared pale and worn, but seemed to be in better physical condition than the three men released last Saturday, who had emerged emaciated from 16 months of captivity,” said AP. In turn, Israel released 369 Palestinians, including 333 who were returned to Khan Younis in Gaza.
AP notes that this is the sixth swap since the ceasefire took effect on Jan. 19. Before Saturday, Feb. 15, Hamas and Israel had freed 21 hostages and more than 730 Palestinian prisoners during the first phase of the truce.
