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Sixth Prisoner Exchange Completed Amid Fragile Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas
Sixth prisoner exchange completed: 3 Israelis released in exchange for 369 Palestinians. Tensions remain high as both sides warn of potential ceasefire collapse.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-15
Sixth Prisoner Exchange Completed Amid Fragile Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas

The sixth prisoner exchange under the current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was completed today, marking another significant development in the delicate truce.

The Exchange Details

Hamas released three Israeli citizens:

  • Segev Dekel Chan
  • Alexander Sashater and Fanoff
  • Ehrhorn

The three were brought to the release site in Khan Yunis by Hamas officials and later transported to Israel in Red Cross vehicles. Before their transfer, the hostages addressed the crowd, briefly urging the exchange of more prisoners.

In return, Israel released 369 Palestinian prisoners from its Ofer prison and a facility in the Negev Desert.

Scenes of Celebration and Concern

The first bus of released Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah to celebratory scenes:

  • Families reunited
  • Palestinian flags waved
  • Public prayers and celebrations

However, not all prisoners were in good health. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that four individuals required immediate hospitalization due to critical health conditions.

"Some released prisoners exhibited signs of malnutrition and abuse," a PRCS spokesperson noted.

Ceasefire Tensions

The January 19 ceasefire was intended to last 42 days but remains fragile:

  • Hamas has threatened to suspend further exchanges, citing Israeli violations.
  • Israel has warned of renewed hostilities if the terms are not honored.

Despite the mutual accusations, both sides confirmed on Friday that exchanges would continue as scheduled.

Casualties Amid Ceasefire

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that, since the ceasefire began on Tuesday:

  • 92 people have been killed
  • 822 others wounded

The nature of these incidents remains under investigation.

Background of the Exchange

The prisoner swap program has become a key component of the ceasefire agreement:

  • 16 Israeli hostages have been released out of 33 initially held.
  • 5 Thai citizens were unexpectedly released last week.
  • The previous exchange saw 183 Palestinians freed in return for three Israelis.

Looking Ahead

International mediators have urged both sides to continue the exchanges and extend the ceasefire. However, with rising casualties and accusations of breaches, the truce remains precarious.

For the families reunited today, however, hope lingers that dialogue may prevail over conflict.

 
Tagged:

MiddleEastPeace

PrisonerExchange

IsraelHamasCeasefire

HumanitarianTruce
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