In a significant development, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners on Monday as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This prisoner exchange follows the transfer of three Israeli hostages, marking a crucial milestone in the ongoing conflict.
The Israel Prison Service confirmed the release of 90 Palestinian detainees, the first group to be freed under the new agreement.
On Sunday, Israeli authorities began transferring these prisoners to Ofer Prison in the West Bank in preparation for their release. The prisoners, mostly women and children from the West Bank and East Jerusalem, underwent medical checks and identification procedures.
The agreement outlines the release of 990 to 1,650 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages to be freed by Hamas.
In return, Hamas released three Israeli hostages, Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli; Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse; and Romi Gonen, 23, who was abducted during the October 7 attack. The three women were the first hostages to be freed after 471 days in captivity.
Hamas transferred the hostages through the Red Cross to Israeli forces near the Gaza border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the release as a significant moment, emphasizing the suffering the hostages endured. “The three went through hell.” IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari expressed gratitude for their return, stressing that Israeli forces are ready for any violations of the agreement”, Netanyahu added.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida reiterated the group’s commitment to the ceasefire, contingent upon Israel’s adherence to the agreement.
He described the October 7 assault, which killed over 1,200 people in Israel and led to the kidnapping of 250 others, as a “turning point” in the conflict.
The ceasefire deal aims to halt hostilities after more than 15 months of intense Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Both sides have committed to the phased release of hostages and prisoners, a step seen as crucial for reducing tensions.
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