Israel and Hamas Begin Prisoner Exchange in Phased Hostage Deal
• Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and children, as part of a hostage exchange deal with Hamas • Hamas simultaneously released 13 Israelis, 10 Thais, and 1 Filipino they had taken hostage in an attack on Israel • This is the first phase of a gradual prisoner release deal, with more exchanges expected over 4 days • There will also be a temporary ceasefire in fighting and increased humanitarian aid flows into Gaza • The deal was mediated by Qatar and aimed to address immense pressure on Israel to bring citizens held hostage home