ALBAWABA- Israel has announced the release of 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas, set to begin on Sunday.
The Israeli Justice Ministry confirmed the approval, stating, "The government approves the release of 737 prisoners and detainees currently in custody."
The agreement, approved by the Israeli cabinet on Saturday, marks a significant step toward halting the 15-month war in Gaza.
The ceasefire deal includes the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian women and minors detained in Israeli jails. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared the framework for the agreement, which was ratified last night after hours of deliberation.
The first phase of the truce will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly men, in exchange for the Palestinian prisoners. U.S. negotiator Brett McGurk confirmed the plan’s readiness, emphasizing that all logistical details had been finalized.
The truce is expected to bring an immediate surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, addressing the severe crisis faced by its war-stricken population.
81 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza hours after ceasefire deal announcementHowever, the agreement has faced strong opposition from hardliners within Israel’s cabinet, with some ministers condemning it as a concession to Hamas. Despite their objections, the deal passed with a majority vote.
This ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalation in a conflict that has left over 46,000 Palestinians killed, 111000 injured, displaced millions, and devastated Gaza’s infrastructure.
