https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250119/hamas-reportedly-hands-over-three-israeli-hostages-to-icrc-in-northern-gaza--1070256139.html
Hamas Hands Over Three Israeli Hostages to ICRC in Northern Gaza
Hamas Hands Over Three Israeli Hostages to ICRC in Northern Gaza
Sputnik Africa
CAIRO (Sputnik) - Palestinian movement Hamas has handed over three Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the northern Gaza... 19.01.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-01-19T17:45+0100
2025-01-19T17:45+0100
2025-01-20T11:25+0100
israel-palestine escalation
israel
gaza
hamas
the international committee of the red cross (icrc)
hostage
middle east
international
palestine
israeli-palestinian conflict
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e9/01/13/1070256983_0:20:3070:1747_1920x0_80_0_0_49a46725dc1c143b8bcbd10a3a930261.jpg
The ICRC confirmed their transfer to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA).Ceasefire and Initial Steps Toward StabilityThe ceasefire, which began at 11:15 am local time on January 15, has brought a gradual return to normalcy in the Gaza Strip. Streets are coming back to life with markets and small businesses reopening, while humanitarian aid trucks have entered the region from Egypt.Debris removal efforts are underway, and residents expressed relief and optimism.Future Negotiations and Long-Term GoalsIsrael and Hamas, with mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have agreed to a 42-day ceasefire. They will begin negotiations on the second stage of the agreement on the 16th day of the truce, addressing the release of remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.The co-sponsors of the peace process are considering a third stage, which would involve the exchange of remains, reconstruction of Gaza, and lifting the Israeli blockade. A coordination center in Cairo will be established by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to oversee these efforts.Hamas official Basem Naim noted that Gaza's administration would remain in place until a new government is agreed upon.This marks the second ceasefire since the conflict began in October 2023. The first, established in November 2023, lasted only six days. With the current ceasefire, hopes are cautiously growing for sustained peace and stability in the region.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250117/number-of-african-countries--african-union-express-support-for-israel-hamas-ceasefire-1070216599.html
israel
gaza
middle east
palestine
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
2025
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
News
en_EN
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Sputnik Africa
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
israel, gaza, hamas, the international committee of the red cross (icrc), hostage, middle east, international, palestine, israeli-palestinian conflict, un relief and works agency for palestine refugees in the near east (unrwa)
israel, gaza, hamas, the international committee of the red cross (icrc), hostage, middle east, international, palestine, israeli-palestinian conflict, un relief and works agency for palestine refugees in the near east (unrwa)
Hamas Hands Over Three Israeli Hostages to ICRC in Northern Gaza
17:45 19.01.2025 (Updated: 11:25 20.01.2025) CAIRO (Sputnik) - Palestinian movement Hamas has handed over three Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the northern Gaza Strip. The three women, held in captivity for over a year, were released as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Israel.
The ICRC confirmed their transfer to the
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA).
"The three released hostages are being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment," the IDF stated. Shortly after, the hostages crossed into Israel and were taken to a reception center in southern Israel for further evaluations.
Ceasefire and Initial Steps Toward Stability
The ceasefire, which began at 11:15 am local time on January 15, has brought a gradual return to normalcy in the Gaza Strip. Streets are coming back to life with markets and small businesses reopening, while
humanitarian aid trucks have entered the region from Egypt.
"After the ceasefire was implemented in Gaza, we began deploying thousands of Palestinian police officers across all provinces to carry out a plan aimed at ensuring security and public order," Ismail Al-Thawabta, director-general of the Government Media Office in Gaza, told Sputnik.
Debris removal efforts are underway, and residents expressed relief and optimism.
"We are filled with immense joy and happiness in the Gaza Strip due to the end of the war," a resident of the enclave told Sputnik.
Future Negotiations and Long-Term Goals
Israel and Hamas, with mediation by Qatar,
Egypt, and the United States, have agreed to a 42-day ceasefire. They will begin negotiations on the second stage of the agreement on the 16th day of the truce, addressing the release of remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The co-sponsors of the
peace process are considering a third stage, which would involve the exchange of remains, reconstruction of Gaza, and lifting the Israeli blockade. A coordination center in Cairo will be established by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to oversee these efforts.
Hamas official Basem Naim noted that Gaza's administration would remain in place until a new government is agreed upon.
"We are waiting. Gaza will continue to manage its affairs as before until another option is agreed upon," Naim told Sputnik, emphasizing the need for Palestinian control over the Rafah border crossing.
This marks the second ceasefire since the conflict began in October 2023. The first, established in November 2023, lasted only six days. With the current ceasefire, hopes are cautiously growing for sustained peace and stability in the region.
