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Middle East conflict

12 Thai, 13 Israeli nationals released from Hamas captivity

It is reported that Egypt’s authorities are getting prepared to receive the released hostages at the Rafah crossing on the border with the Gaza Strip

CAIRO, November 24. /TASS/. Twelve Thai citizens and thirteen Israelis have been released from Hamas’ captivity thanks to Egypt’s efforts, Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt's State Information Service (SIS), said.

"Egypt’s intensive efforts have resulted in the release of 12 Thai citizens and 13 Israeli women and children who were held hostage by Hamas," SIS quoted its head as saying.

According to Rashwan, Egypt’s authorities are getting prepared to receive the released hostages at the Rafah crossing on the border with the Gaza Strip. "They will he handed over to the Israel side," he added.

Hamas announced on November 22 that an agreement on a four-day humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip had been reached through the mediation of Qatar and Egypt. The agreement stipulates the release of 50 women and children under the age of 19 who are held in Gaza in exchange for the release of 150 women and children under the age of 19 from Israeli prisons.

According to the Arab mass media, the ceasefire came into force inn the Gaza Strip from 8:00 a.m. local time (5:00 a.m. GMT).

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Turkey to investigate causes of Russian Superjet emergency at Antalya airport

The Turkish side will also provide information on the progress of the investigation