Israel Releases First Lebanese Prisoner Amid Planned Handover of More
Israel has released Malek Ghazi, the first of five Lebanese prisoners, in a handover facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross. This marks the first prisoner release since the conflict with Hezbollah began six months ago.
Sources
Four Lebanese citizens were released from Israeli detention and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), following a pledge by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to free five prisoners, with one identified as Malek Ghazi. The ICRC, which has not had access to detainees held in Israel since October 2023, facilitated the transfer amid ongoing hostilities, including clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah that began after Israel's war on Gaza. Over 4,300 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon due to the conflict that escalated following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with many families still awaiting information about their missing loved ones.
Malek Ghazi, a Lebanese man held by Israel, was released in a handover facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking the first such event in the six months since the latest conflict began, and is the first of five prisoners to be released. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the remaining four civilians are expected to be released on Friday, as it was determined they were not affiliated with any terrorist organizations. Moreover, dozens of Lebanese prisoners, including civilians and Hezbollah militants, are still believed to be detained in Israel, as Lebanon continues efforts to secure their release through negotiations and a US-mediated framework deal.
Israel has released one Lebanese civilian detainee, Malek Ghazi, and pledged to free five more prisoners, marking the first handover since the Israel-Hezbollah war began six months ago. Lebanese authorities have compiled a list of over 30 citizens believed to be held by Israel since the 2024 conflict, with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasizing the need for the release of all prisoners and full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. The ongoing conflict, intensified since the outbreak of hostilities in 2024, has resulted in over 4,300 deaths in Lebanon, despite a recent ceasefire agreement negotiated by the US.