Israel releases 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement, boosting humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Advances Hostage-Prisoner Exchange Amid Gaza Relief Efforts
CAIRO/JERUSALEM, Jan 30 (NC) – A third round of hostage releases between Israel and Hamas began Wednesday, marking a critical step in a fragile ceasefire agreement brokered to ease tensions in the region.
Israel freed 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages held by Hamas, according to Israeli officials. The deal, part of a phased ceasefire initiated on January 19, 2025, follows months of negotiations after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack killed over 1,200 Israelis and captured 251 hostages.
The three Israeli hostages released today—whose identities remain undisclosed for security reasons—were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza.
Medical teams confirmed their stable condition upon arrival in Israel. In return, Israel released Palestinian prisoners, many convicted of terrorism-related charges, from Ofer Prison in the West Bank.
This follows the January 25 release of four female Israeli soldiers, who are now reuniting with families. Advocacy groups, including the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, have urged further transparency, citing lingering concerns for over 100 hostages still believed captive.
The truce has enabled critical aid deliveries to Gaza, where the United Nations reports near-total displacement of the 2.3 million population after 15 months of conflict. Humanitarian convoys carrying food, medicine, and fuel have entered through the Rafah crossing, though aid workers warn supplies remain insufficient. “The ceasefire is a lifeline, but rebuilding Gaza requires sustained peace,” a UN spokesperson stated.
Residents returning to destroyed neighborhoods face dire conditions. Satellite imagery reviewed by The Associated Press shows over 60% of Gaza’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed, compounding shortages of clean water and electricity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the government’s “moral duty” to secure hostages’ freedom but faces domestic pressure over concessions to Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh called the prisoner releases a “victory for Palestinian resilience.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the ceasefire’s “measured progress” but stressed the need for a “durable solution.” Families of remaining hostages expressed cautious optimism. “Every release is a miracle, but we won’t rest until everyone is home,” said Rachel Goldberg, whose son was abducted in 2023.
Further negotiations are expected to address additional hostage releases and extended ceasefire terms. Egyptian and Qatari mediators aim to stabilize the agreement, though analysts warn renewed violence could derail progress. Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and prisoner releases, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities.
The White House confirmed ongoing dialogue with regional partners to prevent escalation. President Joe Biden reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s security while urging “immediate steps to protect Palestinian civilians.”
