Kathmandu— Israel has released Malek Ghazi, a Lebanese civilian detainee, and pledged to free five additional prisoners. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the release was agreed upon after Lebanon assisted in searching for the bodies of Lebanese Jewish leaders abducted and murdered by terrorist organizations in the 1980s. The first prisoner was handed over to the Lebanese army via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at a border crossing near Naqoura.

Details of Release

Malek Ghazi, who is from Ain Ata near Shebaa village, was handed over to the ICRC and then transferred to a Lebanese army intelligence office in Tyre. His family had lost contact with him after he went out for exercise last October. This release marks the first such handover since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war six months ago.

Political Statements

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the release, thanking the American administration for its efforts in facilitating this agreement. He pledged to continue working towards the release of all Lebanese prisoners and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Netanyahu’s statement also noted that after interrogation, the five detainees were found not to be members of terrorist organizations.

Ongoing Negotiations

Lebanon has compiled a list of more than 30 people held by Israel since the 2024 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The latest negotiations, brokered by the US, have led to this first release but further talks are expected in Rome later this month. Despite these efforts, violence continues with Israeli forces advancing into Lebanese villages and carrying out attacks.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.