Gaza ceasefire deal saved

Hamas released three Israeli hostages as planned yesterday following recent concerns that the truce was in danger of collapsing.

Reuters reported that the three hostages were taken by gunmen to Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip before being handed over to the Red Cross to take them to where Israeli forces were stationed in Gaza. On the same day, Israel released 369 Palestinians held by Tel Aviv.

The latest exchange dispelled fears that the truce was falling apart. Earlier this week, Hamas unexpectedly accused Israel of violating the agreement and announced it would delay the release of the hostages. The announcement prompted Israel to put its military on high alert and call up its reserves. Israel and the United States later issued statements in response, with President Donald Trump warning that hell would open if the hostages were not released by noon on February 15.

Three Israeli hostages next to masked gunmen in Khan Younis on February 15.

Arab bloc tries to replace US plan on Gaza

The 42-day phase one ceasefire, which began on January 19, just before Trump took office, saw 33 Israeli hostages released in exchange for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. After recent warnings from all sides, Egyptian and Qatari mediators have been trying to salvage the deal.

According to AFP, Hamas predicts that the next round of indirect negotiations with Israel on phase 2 of the agreement will begin early next week. It is expected that in phase 2, all remaining hostages in Gaza will be released and the parties will discuss a long-term end to hostilities.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoa-thuan-ngung-ban-gaza-duoc-cuu-van-185250215212018545.htm