Israel has released a Lebanese civilian identified as Malek Ghazi and committed to freeing five additional detainees, representing the first prisoner exchange since the Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalated six months ago. The handover occurred at the Naqoura border crossing in southern Lebanon, with the International Committee of the Red Cross facilitating the transfer to Lebanese army custody.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the release followed cooperation from Beirut in searching for the remains of Lebanese Jewish leaders who were abducted and killed by organizations designated as terrorist groups during the 1980s. According to Netanyahu’s statement, the five additional detainees were cleared of membership in terrorist organizations or involvement in terrorism-related activities following interrogation.
Ghazi’s family reported losing contact with him after he went out to exercise in October. He represents the first citizen held by Israel to be released since US-mediated negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv commenced in April. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam acknowledged the American administration’s role in facilitating the release and indicated Lebanon’s intention to continue pursuing the freedom of all detained citizens and clarification of missing persons’ fates.
Lebanese authorities have not officially disclosed the total number of citizens held by Israel since the 2024 conflict, though families and support committees have compiled a list exceeding 30 individuals. During negotiations in August, Lebanon specifically requested the release of those detained since the 2024 war. A ceasefire framework established in June following a US-Iran memorandum of understanding was followed by a separate Israel-Lebanon agreement the same month, which includes provisions for Hezbollah disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanese territory, and Lebanese army deployment to border regions.
Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, Israeli military operations have continued throughout southern Lebanon, with reports of air operations, ground advances, and demolitions in multiple locations during recent days.
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