Israel has announced the release of 737 prisoners and detainees as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, which was approved early Saturday by Israel’s cabinet. The decision paves the way for the truce to take effect, ending days of uncertainty.
The justice ministry confirmed the plan on its website, stating that the prisoners, including men, women, and children, would not be freed before Sunday at 4:00 PM local time (1400 GMT). A preliminary list of 95 Palestinian prisoners—mostly women—was released earlier in the week.
Key Figures Among Those to Be Released:
1. Zakaria Zubeidi: A prominent member of the armed wing of Fatah and known for escaping from Israel’s Gilboa prison in 2021, a feat celebrated by many Palestinians.
2. Khalida Jarar: A 60-year-old Palestinian lawmaker and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the EU. Jarar has been held in detention without charge since December 2022.
Hostage Release Details
Hamas is set to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the prisoners. The first group includes three Israeli women soldiers, though Hamas broadly considers Israelis of military age as “soldiers,” potentially including abducted civilians.
Justice ministry officials noted that the number of prisoners released will depend on the number of hostages freed alive by Hamas.
Background
The truce follows intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and facilitate the return of hostages. The developments mark a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict.
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