Israel Trades 90 Palestinian Prisoners for Three Hostages
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Synopsis
On January 20, the Israel Prison Service confirmed the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, coinciding with the return of three Israeli hostages after 471 days in captivity. This agreement is seen as a vital step towards reducing hostilities.
Key Takeaways
- 90 Palestinian prisoners released
- 3 Israeli hostages returned
- Ceasefire agreement reached
- Initial phase of broader exchange
- Primarily women and children released
Tel Aviv, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Israel Prison Service declared on Monday the liberation of 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
On Sunday, Israeli officials began relocating Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison in the West Bank to prepare them for their release.
This operation coincided with a meeting between the Red Cross and Hamas to facilitate the transfer of three Israeli hostages, who were subsequently returned to Israel, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
The three women—Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli, Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse, and Romi Gonen, 23, who were kidnapped from the Nova music festival—mark the first hostages released after 471 days of captivity.
Their release signifies the first phase of the agreement, which stipulates the release of 33 Israeli hostages by Hamas and between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
As part of the arrangement, the initial batch of 90 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and children from the West Bank and East Jerusalem, underwent medical evaluations and identification checks before being handed over to the Red Cross.
In return, Hamas transferred the three Israeli hostages through the Red Cross to Israeli forces stationed near the Gaza border, where they were joyfully reunited with their families.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled this moment as significant, stating, 'The three went through hell.'
IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari expressed appreciation for their safe return while stressing that Israeli forces remain vigilant against any potential breaches of the agreement.
Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida reaffirmed the group's dedication to the ceasefire, contingent upon Israel's compliance. He characterized the October 7 assault, which resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel and the abduction of 250 others, as a 'turning point' in the ongoing conflict.
This ceasefire arrangement, aimed at ceasing hostilities after more than 15 months of intense Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, marks the commencement of a six-week period of tranquility.
The gradual release of hostages and prisoners is viewed as a crucial step towards easing tensions between both parties.
