A hostage-for-prisoner deal has been struck between Israel and Hamas.
Hostages are being 'regarded as currency' in the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to a former Army Ranger.
A deal has been struck which will include the release of 50 hostages in Gaza - in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners - that's probably happening tomorrow.
Irish representatives will be watching for the potential release of Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand, who has been held by Hamas since October 7th.
Kildare South Independent TD, Deputy Berry says it's likely the ceasefire will come in the next 24 to 48 hours:
The Israeli Ambassador to Ireland says senior staff at the Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza need to explain why Hamas was allowed to use the facility.
A senior doctor at Gaza's largest hospital Al-Shifa has said the facility's director and several other medical personnel have been arrested by Israeli forces.
The Israeli army, which raided the hospital last week, has alleged that Hamas fighters used a tunnel complex beneath the facility in Gaza City to stage attacks. Although Hamas and hospital officials have repeatedly denied the claims.
Speaking this morning, the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich said the arrests were made because Hamas was using the hospital to store weapons.
Meanwhile the family of Emily Hand say they have still not received any confirmation that the Irish-Israeli girl will be among the 50 hostages who are due to released from Gaza.
It had been hoped that 50 Israelis captured by Hamas and 150 Palestinian prisoners would be released this morning, however it’s understood that it may be tomorrow before this happens and the Taoiseach says he is hopeful that the 9-year-old will be released in the coming days.
Emily Hand's father Tom travelled back to Israel last night in the hope of hearing good news in the coming days.
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