During the sixth exchange, which was made possible due to the achieved mutual agreement between Israel and the Islamist group HAMAS on the truce of January 15, Israeli authorities and Islamists collectively announced: they freed three Israeli hostages and 369 Palestinians. Thus, during the period of the agreement, 24 people were freed (19 Israelis and 5 Thais), previously held by HAMAS in the Gaza sector, as well as 985 Palestinians. The exchange took place without incidents.
However, some of the hostages still remain in Gaza, and according to a statement made by HAMAS, their future is under threat. Prior to the transfer of custody to MKKK for the subsequent transportation to Israeli territory, a microphone was passed to the former hostages, and they, speaking in Hebrew, requested to fulfill all points of the agreement.
Shortly after the crossing of former hostages from the border with Israel, another 369 Palestinian detainees were also released. These individuals were directed to different directions, such as the Gaza sector, Egypt, Ramallah (the West Bank), and Eastern Jerusalem. They were met by Palestinians in Ramallah and Gaza with joyful greetings and hugs.
Nonetheless, this exchange has provoked condemnation from the side of HAMAS and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, accusing them of "racist crimes." Some detainees even burned t-shirts with the image of the Star of David and an inscription in Arabic "We will not forget and will not forgive."
Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the release of hostages became possible thanks to a clear statement by President Trump, threatening a renewal of military actions. He also added that Israeli troops are in full combat readiness. HAMAS called on Israel to begin negotiations, which should have started on February 3, to discuss further steps of the agreement.
