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Hamas frees 8 hostages in Gaza; Israel delays prisoner release

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      Hamas frees 8 hostages in Gaza; Israel delays prisoner release

      2025-01-30 21:57 Last Updated At:23:37

      Palestinian militants in Gaza, led by Hamas, released eight hostages, three Israelis and five Thais, on Thursday. But Israel delayed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in a swap agreed under the ongoing temporary ceasefire, citing chaotic scenes during the handover.

      The hostages were released in two groups. Agam Berger, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier, was freed first. Video showed her, wearing a khaki uniform, emerging from damaged buildings in Jabalia, northern Gaza, escorted by Hamas militants, before walking to a Red Cross vehicle. She was then taken to a compound outside Gaza to reunite with her parents.

      Later, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, two Israelis, Arbel Yahoud, 29, and Gadi Mozes, 80, along with the five Thai nationals, were handed over to the Red Cross.

      Footage showed chaotic scenes as hundreds of Gazans gathered, and militants struggled to control the crowd and clear a path for the hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the "shocking scenes" and called on international mediators to ensure the safety of hostages in future releases.

      The Israeli military identified the Thais as Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakham, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak. They were farm workers abducted from southern Israel during the Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

      The military said the seven hostages crossed into Israel and underwent medical assessments. The Israelis were reunited with their families, while the Thais were met by Thai officials.

      Shortly after the seven hostages' release, Netanyahu's office said the Palestinian prisoner release was delayed "until the safe departure of our hostages in the upcoming phases is assured." Israeli media reported that buses carrying Palestinian prisoners were ordered to turn back.

      Hamas said it was in contact with mediators to "compel" Israel to release the prisoners.

      According to the Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds on Thursday afternoon, the Palestinian Ministry of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs announced that after mediation efforts, the Palestinian detainees will be released at 5:00 PM on the same day.

      Hamas frees 8 hostages in Gaza; Israel delays prisoner release

      Hamas frees 8 hostages in Gaza; Israel delays prisoner release

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      Chinese envoy calls on int'l community to help advance CAR election preparations

      2025-02-21 14:26 Last Updated At:14:37

      The international community should help the Central African Republic (CAR) parties advance election preparations and avoid undue external interference, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Thursday.

      At present, the CAR situation is good in general, with positive progress being made in enhancing governance capacity and advancing the political peace process, Fu said at the UN Security Council briefing on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

      The international community should help consolidate this momentum and provide more support for the CAR to achieve lasting peace and stability, said the ambassador.

      Noting that the various levels of elections under preparation in the CAR are an important step in consolidating peace, and should become a significant opportunity for the country to embark on peace, development and prosperity, Fu urged the MINUSCA to make it a priority to support election preparations in the country, and the CAR parties to seek consensus through dialogue and consultation on specific arrangements related to elections.

      He pointed out that peace and stability in the CAR is closely related to the situation in neighboring countries, and called on the international community to pay attention to the spillover effect of the Sudan conflict and support the CAR in strengthening security capacity building and border control and in maintaining regional stability.

      "While providing humanitarian assistance, the international community should actively increase investment and expand economic and trade cooperation with the CAR in light of the priority areas identified in the CAR's national development action plan, so as to help the country realize sustainable development at an early date," Fu said.

      China has always been a steadfast partner in supporting the CAR's development, said the ambassador, adding that China would like to work with the CAR to implement the consensus of the two countries' leaders and do its part for the CAR's development, prosperity, and long-term peace and stability.

      Chinese envoy calls on int'l community to help advance CAR election preparations

      Chinese envoy calls on int'l community to help advance CAR election preparations

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