GAZA: Hamas has announced that it has reached an agreement with Israel, brokered by mediators, to facilitate the simultaneous release of 602 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of four Israeli hostages. The deal, confirmed by an Israeli official, is set to resolve the delayed release of Palestinian prisoners who were expected to be freed last week but remained in Israeli custody.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hamas confirmed that the agreement would address the issue of the prisoners who had been awaiting release and would be freed alongside the bodies of the Israeli hostages. The release will also include an equivalent number of Palestinian women and children, as part of the deal.
The negotiations, which took place in Cairo, saw a Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya meeting with Egyptian mediators. Hamas emphasized that the terms of the ceasefire and the prisoner exchange agreement must be fully adhered to.
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While Israel initially refused to release the Palestinian prisoners due to concerns over Hamas’ violations during previous exchanges, including the handling of remains and the conduct of “propaganda ceremonies,” an Israeli official confirmed that Hamas had assured mediators it would refrain from holding such events during this latest exchange.
The role of Egyptian mediation has been critical in securing the agreement, with Egyptian officials expected to oversee the implementation of the deal. The breakthrough comes amid growing concerns over the stability of the ongoing ceasefire, with both sides now looking to solidify the terms of this new agreement.
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