Lebanese Man Held Prisoner in Israel Released
For the first time since the outbreak of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, a prisoner exchange has taken place and a Lebanese national has been released.
Malek Ghazi, a Lebanese man held prisoner in Israel, has been released as part of the first prisoner transfer since the recent Israel-Hezbollah war. Ghazi was handed over to Lebanese authorities via the Red Cross.
Release of the Prisoner
A Lebanese man held prisoner in Israel was released on Thursday, marking the first prisoner transfer since the war that broke out in the past six months. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Lebanese authorities confirmed the situation.
Agreement Between Israel and Lebanon
According to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, it was agreed to release five Lebanese civilians in exchange for Lebanon's assistance in searching for the bodies of Lebanese Jewish leaders who were kidnapped and killed in the 1980s.
Transfer at the Border
The first released prisoner, Malek Ghazi, was handed over to the Lebanese army through the Red Cross. Lebanon's state agency NNA reported that Ghazi was delivered to the ICRC at the Ras al-Naqoura crossing on the southern border.
Security Assessments
Netanyahu's statement noted that following interrogations, it was determined that the five released Lebanese detainees were not members of a terrorist organization or involved in terrorist acts.
Diplomatic Thanks
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed his thanks to the United States and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa for their support and assistance in the release process.