Third Round of Hostage Releases Begins in Gaza Despite Israel's Delay

What Happened?

The process of releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners has begun in the Gaza Strip after a delay from the Israeli government.

According to reports, eight hostages, three Israelis, and five Thai nationals, were released from captivity on Thursday in Gaza.

Israeli officials initially delayed the prisoner release process after reportedly stating the chaotic scenes witnessed at the hostage handover in southern Gaza were unacceptable.

The release process continued as planned with large crowds of people gathered at the Ramallah Recreational Complex.

Al Jazeera reports that more than 500,000 Palestinians have returned to north Gaza as they wait for more aid to enter the territory.

Many of them anxiously await to be reunited with their loved ones.

This comes after Israel recently opened the Netzarim corridor.

The U.S. and Qatar helped preserve a ceasefire agreement that involved the militant group Hamas in Gaza which risked collapse.

The Israeli military had previously blocked the return of Palestinian residents to the north of Gaza amid a dispute over Hamas' return of a specific hostage.

Israel reportedly was informed by Hamas that eight of the hostages set to be freed during the deal's first phase were dead.

Why it Matters

Uncertainty remains as President Donald Trump recently announced major reversals from the Biden-era policy in the West Bank of Gaza.

The Treasury Department last week officially removed U.S. sanctions in the West Bank against dozens of Israeli members accused of violence against Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and many Republican congressional members reportedly opposed the sanctions.

Some now see it as an opportunity for Israel to carry out a new operation in the occupied West Bank territory.

At least 10 people were killed late Wednesday by an Israeli airstrike that's part of a major crackdown, according to the Associated Press.

The ceasefire truce does not reportedly apply to the West Bank.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has faced pressure from his allies after agreeing to the ceasefire agreement and hostage-prisoner exchange with Hamas.

Some of his cabinet members have previously threatened to withdraw if the truce went through.

As a result, the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has continued to endure a rocky path towards the second phase of the deal, which would end the war on the 16th day of implementation.

How it Affects You

Over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the war, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. 

Officials reportedly estimate upward of $300 million will be needed to sustain Gaza's most urgent needs in the next six months.

President Trump, tasked with handling a detailed 'Day After' plan for when Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza, has issued an executive order putting a hold on such aid for 90 days.

Some Middle East regions have reportedly been given exemptions.

It is not clear the effects this may have on Gaza recovery efforts in the critical months ahead.