‘Emotional day’ for Israel, Palestine as hostages and prisoners released

All Israeli hostages who were alive have been released by Hamas and returned to Israel as part of the ceasefire agreement.

The hostages have been held since 7 October 2023.

Additionally, Israel has released approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were held without charges, according to Al Jazeera.

Rolene Marks, National Spokesperson of the South African Zionist Federation, states that moving forward, Israel and Palestine must find a way to coexist peacefully as neighbours.

“It is an extremely emotional day here in Israel,” says Marks.

Alie Komape, Communications and Campaigns Manager at Africa4Palestine, says that this is a wonderful moment for Palestinians to have those imprisoned returned, and to know here is finally an end to the killing.

Approximately 67,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces over the past two years.

However, he says that Israel and Palestine can only coexist peacefully if the occupation of Palestine ends.

“Unless that stops, there will still be violence because occupation is violence,” he adds.

To listen to Rolene Marks, National Spokesperson of the South African Zionist Federation in conversation and Alie Komape, Communications and Campaigns Manager at Africa4Palestine with Jane Dutton on the Midday Report on 702 and CapeTalk, click the audio player below: