Israel-Hamas Prisoner Swap Underway in Historic Ceasefire Deal
In a landmark move towards peace, the ongoing prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has begun. As a part of this deal, Hamas has commenced the release of 20 living Israeli captives, and Israel is set to free close to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This prisoner swap is a part of the ceasefire agreement reached in Egypt to end the war in Gaza.
Background and Context
The ceasefire agreement, approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, came into effect immediately after it was signed in Egypt. The exchange of captives is an essential part of this deal, with both sides adhering to the timeline laid out in the agreement.
Hamas's military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, began releasing the Israeli captives, while Israel is set to release 1,966 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving long or life sentences, along with approximately 1,700 individuals detained from the Gaza Strip over the past two years. The released Israeli captives include the likes of Elkana Bohbot, Matan Angrest, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, among others.
Key Developments
Hamas handed over the initial seven Israeli captives to the International Red Cross in Gaza, with Israeli media confirming their receipt. The rest of the Israeli captives were released in batches, with the final count of 20 living captives returned as per the agreement.
On the other hand, all 1,966 Palestinian detainees prepared for release from Israeli prisons have boarded buses, as per officials involved in the operation. The Palestinian Red Crescent also reported that they had entered the Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank to evacuate a sick prisoner scheduled for release.
Implications and Reactions
This prisoner exchange has received international attention and commendation. China's foreign ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, hailed these developments, urging for stability in the region. The ICRC president, Mirjana Spoljaric, stressed the importance of carrying out these releases with dignity and safety.
However, the process was not without tension. Israeli army reportedly raided the homes of several Palestinian prisoners due to be released as part of the deal, threatening families against celebrating the release of their family members.
Conclusion
While this prisoner exchange marks a significant step towards peace, the days ahead are critical in cementing this fragile ceasefire. The ICRC has expressed its readiness to bring more lifesaving aid into the Gaza Strip and distribute it safely to those most in need, underlining the humanitarian aspect of this agreement.