Key facts
- A Lebanese man, Malek Ghazi, was released from Israeli custody on Thursday.
- The handover was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
- Ghazi was handed over to the Lebanese army.
- This is the first such release since the current Israel-Hezbollah conflict started six months prior.
- Dozens of Lebanese prisoners are believed to be held by Israel.
A Lebanese man identified as Malek Ghazi was released from Israeli detention on Thursday and handed over to Lebanon, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross and two Lebanese security officials. This marks the first prisoner handover since the current Israel-Hezbollah conflict began six months ago. Ghazi was transferred to the Lebanese army via the ICRC. The circumstances of his capture were not immediately clear, but one official stated he was a civilian. Dozens of Lebanese prisoners, including civilians and Hezbollah militants captured during fighting, are believed to be held in Israeli detention centers. The release comes as talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials regarding a framework deal signed in June have reportedly reached an impasse.