Israel, Hamas complete 2nd day of swaps after tense delay

Gaza, The Gulf Observer: Hamas fighters have released 17 captives, including 13 Israelis, from Gaza, while Israel set free 39 Palestinian prisoners in the latest stage of a four-day ceasefire.

The late-night exchange was held up for several hours after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement. The delay underscored the fragility of the ceasefire, which has halted a war that has shocked and shaken Israel, caused widespread destruction across Gaza, and threatened to unleash wider fighting across the region.

The war erupted on October 7, when Hamas fighters burst across the border into southern Israel and abducted some 240 people. Israel immediately declared war, carrying out weeks of air strikes and a ground offensive that have left over 13,300 Palestinians dead, two-thirds of those killed in Gaza have been women and minors.

The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and the United States, is the first extended break in fighting since the war began. Overall, Hamas is to release at least 50 Israeli captives, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners. All are women and minors.