The third day of the exchange of captives between Hamas and Israel saw a third batch of 39 Palestinian prisoners being freed under a four-day truce deal. In Ramallah, large crowds of Palestinians awaited the arrival of Red Cross buses carrying the prisoners, waving flags in celebration. Among those released was a 16-year-old whose mother expressed joy while also acknowledging the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In Beitunia, Israeli forces fired live rounds, injuring three Palestinians and causing two children to be admitted to the hospital for tear gas inhalation, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Earlier on Sunday, Hamas released 13 Israeli captives, including foreign nationals, as part of the truce deal. US President Joe Biden confirmed the release of a four-year-old Israeli-American girl and urged the parties to extend the truce deal for more releases.
The exchange of captives faced a delay on Saturday, but was ultimately resolved with mediation by Qatar and Egypt. Under the truce deal, around 150 Palestinian prisoners and 50 civilian captives held in Gaza are set to be released. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Gaza, vowing to continue the assault until victory. However, Hamas is seeking to extend the truce for the release of more Palestinian detainees and a stop to the Israeli attack on Gaza.