Third hostage group released by Hamas

According to the Israeli Army, the freed hostages are currently en route to Israel. A total of 12 individuals are near the central border fence of the Gaza Strip, while four others have passed through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, subsequently heading to Israel. Notably, the group includes a female hostage, now being airlifted to an Israeli hospital for immediate medical attention.

This development follows an earlier statement on Sunday from the Israeli Army, detailing the Red Cross's custody of 17 hostages from Gaza. This group comprises 14 Israelis and three foreign nationals. Their release is part of the third installment of the hostage exchange deal with Hamas.

The ongoing exchange has seen the release of 41 Israelis and foreign nationals in exchange for 78 Palestinians from Israeli detention. This process, unfolding over four days during a humanitarian pause, underscores the intense negotiations between the conflicting parties.

The backdrop of these developments is a significant military campaign launched by Israel in the Gaza Strip. Initiated after a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, the campaign has resulted in substantial casualties. Health authorities in Gaza report over 14,854 Palestinian fatalities, including 6,150 children and more than 4,000 women. The Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.