Israel releases 39 Palestinian prisoners

A group of 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis and a few
Thais, were released from the Gaza Strip on Friday after Israel and Hamas
agreed to a ceasefire, NBC News reports.

As the International Committee of the Red Cross reports, it
transferred the hostages from the Gaza Strip to the Rafah border crossing.
Later, the Israel Defense Forces stated that the hostages “underwent an initial
medical assessment inside Israeli territory” and soldiers would then accompany
them to hospitals “where they will be reunited with their families.”

In exchange, Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners.
Qadura Fares, heading an advocacy group for prisoners, said that another six
people were released from Jerusalem prison. Hamas is believed to be still
holding 240 people hostage.