Over 100 Palestinian Prisoners Released in Swap For Eight Israeli, Thai Hostages

TaiwanPlus News

A third exchange of captives between Israel and Hamas, as part of a provisional ceasefire, is complete. 100 Palestinian prisoners were freed, in exchange for eight Israeli and Thai hostages.

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00:00Five hostages released by Hamas arrive at a hospital in Israel to a warm welcome.

00:13These Thai nationals had come to Israel as farm workers, but were abducted during Hamas'

00:18attacks on October 7, 2023, now free after almost 500 days in captivity, their families

00:25emotional with relief.

00:32They are among thousands from Thailand who have moved to Israel for agricultural work

00:36due to economic conditions at home.

00:38At least 39 were killed during the October 7 attacks, with around 31 taken hostage.

00:44The return of these five, celebrated by Thailand's ambassador to Israel.

00:48I wait for today for so long, you know, I could hardly breathe today.

00:55And that's why we keep looking on TV.

00:59And not only me, the Thai citizens in Thailand, the whole government and everyone also looking

01:06forward to welcome back our five hostages.

01:14Their release comes during the first phase of a provisional ceasefire between Israel

01:18and Hamas, reached after 15 months of war, in which the two sides have agreed to release

01:23hostages and prisoners.

01:25This is the third exchange since the ceasefire began on January 19.

01:32Hamas also released three Israeli hostages as part of the swap, including a soldier.

01:36Their loved ones overjoyed.

01:39I'm very excited, I really dreamed of this moment for months and months.

01:48And it's really, I can't say in words how much I'm excited and happy that it happened.

01:57At one point, Palestinians crowded around two of the Israeli hostages on their way to

02:01be handed over to the Red Cross in southern Gaza.

02:04The scene prompted Israel to delay its release of over 100 Palestinian prisoners, who were

02:09eventually let go later in the day after promises that future Israeli hostages would

02:13be assured a safe exit.

02:19The freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Red Cross buses and were met with large crowds

02:28and heartfelt reunions.

02:47The next exchange now just days away, as many more hostages and prisoners remain in captivity,

02:52with loved ones anxiously awaiting their return.

02:55Dauphine Chen and Keaton Sciranta for Taiwan Plus.

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