While America was mostly watching coverage of a tragic air to air collision near Washington the next act of the hostage release deal was happening. Hamas released the other female soldier captured in Nachal Oz, and the Islamic Jihad released 2 captives; a 29 year old female and an 80 year old man. Five Thai nationals who had been employed as agricultural worker in Israel were also released. They are not considered part of the hostage exchange deal.
The Gazans once again made the entire thing a staged propaganda piece. This time even France 24 commented on how the entire operation inside Gaza was a staged propaganda piece. Terrorists from the two Islamic organizations were present (distinguishable by different color headbands and uniforms) as they went through the formal motions of turning their captives over to the Red Cross (whom they had refused to allow to meet the hostages before now, in violation of international law).
There is much trepidation in Israel about future hostage releases. Part of the agreement included opening discussions about the future of the Gaza enclave. Hamas has been trying hard to show that they are still in charge. Israel and the USA do not want that status to continue, but have not come up with a viable alternative. If there is no progress on that issue, will there be more hostages released? There are both American and Thai nationals (and even a Russian) among the remaining hostages.
I must also add that there is legislation in progress in the Israeli parliament which could lead to a governmental collapse. The law regarding exemption of ultra-orthodox men from military service is one. Passing a new budget is another. Both are totally involved with coalition politics, and if either fails to pass it might result in new Israeli elections.
Wetherhorn 