Gaza and Israel Begin Prisoner Releases as Peace Efforts Advance
In a major step toward peace, Gaza and Israel have begun releasing prisoners as part of the Gaza peace plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Seven Israeli hostages were freed in the first phase of the agreement on Friday, signalling cautious optimism amid ongoing regional instability.
The exchange process is being carried out in three stages, with hostages transferred to Red Cross authorities in Khan Younis and Netzarim before being handed over to the Israeli military. However, the repatriation of the bodies of 28 deceased hostages may face delays due to ongoing security and logistical challenges. Families of the freed hostages have gathered in Tel Aviv, awaiting their loved ones’ return.
Hamas has also released the names of 20 Israeli hostages scheduled for release under the ceasefire agreement, which forms part of broader peace negotiations facilitated by international mediators.
Meanwhile, violence flared in Gaza as 27 people were killed in fierce clashes between Hamas fighters and armed members of the Dughmush tribe, one of the most powerful clans in the region. The confrontation occurred near the Jordanian Hospital in Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood, following a Hamas operation involving more than 300 militants targeting a residential complex where Dughmush fighters had gathered.
According to the Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry, eight Hamas members and 19 Dughmush fighters were killed in the confrontation. The ministry said it was working to restore order and warned that any unauthorised armed activity would be met with “severe consequences”.
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