Five men have been taken to hospital as Israel and Hamas both release prisoners – We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story
Palestine prisoners taken to hospital after being freed by Israel
Palestinian prisoners released by Israel have been rushed to hospital in critical conditions amidst a prisoner swap.
Men have been released by both sides of the conflict after being held. Hamas agreed to release three Israeli hostages while Israel said on Saturday it had now released 369 Palestinian prisons and detainees – 36 of whom were serving life sentences over deadly attacks.
A number of Palestinian men were taken to hospital in serious conditions on Saturday. Reports on the exact number vary between four and five. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society meanwhile told the BBC many of the prisoners had chronic illnesses or severe injuries.
Families on both sides welcomed home loved ones following the prisoner swap during a ceasefire on fighting in the Gaza Strip. On the Israeli side, hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel Chen and Alexander Troufanov were brought out in front of crowds and released. All three were taken in the October 7 attacks which sparked the war almost 18 months ago.
Meanwhile a bus carrying the first of the released Palestinian prisoners was seen arriving in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia to cheers from relatives and supporters. Several were taken straight to hospital.
It follows five Thai nationals being free by Hamas on January 30 under a separate agreement. The hostages were pictured arriving back in Bangkok earlier this month after 15 months in captivity.
Hopes of a truce however have been thrown into doubt after Donald Trump’s proposal to move more than 2million Palestinian citizens from Gaza and resettle them. Hamas said on Thursday it would proceed with the release of further hostages after crucial talks with Egypt and Qatar. The deal was on the basis of more aid being allowed into Gaza.
The latest swap is the sixth since the ceasefire began four weeks ago. According to the BBC, there are still 70 hostages in Gaza. A total of 19 of the 33 Israelis due to be released in the first phase have now been freed. Of the remaining 14, Israel says eight are dead, meaning there are still six people waiting to be freed.