Israeli-Palestinian Prisoner Exchange Extends Temporary Ceasefire

The Israeli prison service confirmed on Tuesday the release of 33 Palestinian inmates as part of an ongoing exchange with Hamas. This move comes on the fourth day of a temporary ceasefire, which has now been extended for two more days. The released prisoners, including 30 children and three women, were freed from various Israeli prisons.

Israel has released a total of 150 Palestinians, primarily women and minors, since the truce began on November 24. In return, Hamas has released 69 hostages, mainly women and children. The latest exchange involved 11 dual nationals, and the hostages have undergone an initial medical assessment upon their arrival in Israel.

The extension of the truce allows for the release of an additional 20 women and children over the next two days, according to US national security spokesman John Kirby. The temporary ceasefire aims to facilitate the release of hostages, with ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. As of Tuesday morning, the death toll in Gaza since the conflict erupted exceeded 14,800, while Israel reported over 1,200 fatalities, and the West Bank reported at least 231.