Polish citizen among hostages released Friday, Polish foreign ministry says
A Polish citizen was among the hostages released from Gaza Friday, Poland’s foreign ministry has said.
“We’re pleased to receive the news of a truce in Gaza, which allowed for the first group of hostages to be released, including a Polish citizen, and for an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to the enclave,” the foreign ministry said in a statement Saturday, adding that the move was “a result of ongoing international diplomatic efforts.”
The ministry did not provide any information on who the Polish citizen is, but used the feminine version of the noun for “citizen,” indicating the citizen is female.
“We congratulate all partners involved in reaching of this important step. We hope the truce will be upheld. We emphasise the necessity of freeing all persons taken hostage,” the ministry added.
The ministry went on to say that Poland continues to “strongly argue” for Israel to allow the remaining Polish citizens to leave Gaza.
In total, 24 hostages were released on Friday — mostly Israeli and Thai citizens. A second group is expected to be released Saturday, under the agreement of 50 hostages being freed over the four-day temporary pause in fighting.40 m
At least 13 Israeli hostages expected to be released in second day exchange
The list of hostages provided to Israel by Hamas for release Saturday has 13 names on it, multiple sources have told CNN.
Israel however, has made clear it is expecting 14 people to be released on the second day of the temporary truce in exchange for 42 Palestinian prisoners.
As the hour of their expected release approaches, there have been discussions over the final list, including whether it will be 13 or 14 people, several of which are expected to be children.
The head of the Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Prisoners’ Affairs Qadura Fares later said 39 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released on Saturday.
Friday – the first day of the temporary truce – saw the release of 24 hostages, including 13 Israeli women and children in exchange for 39 Palestinian women and children being freed from three Israeli prisons.
CNN
