Fifth ceasefire exchange sees gaunt hostages and prisoners emerge from Gaza and Israel Weakened state of three freed Israelis heightens debate over extending ceasefire, while several released Palestinians also need hospitalisation.
Hamas freed three hostages from Gaza and Israel released 183 prisoners and detainees on Saturday, the fifth exchange under a fragile, three-week-old ceasefire deal.
The gaunt appearance of the three Israeli men shocked the country, sparking anger and dismay that could increase pressure on the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to extend the agreement to a second stage, bringing home the remaining Israeli captives.
Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan Zangauker is in Gaza and not due for release under the first stage of the deal, accused Netanyahu of “sitting in a hotel in Washington, trying to sabotage” a deal that would save her son.
Many Palestinian prisoners released to Ramallah hours after the Israelis were freed also looked extremely thin, and seven out of 43 needed hospitalisation, the Palestinian Prisoners Club said.
