Jerusalem, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Israeli Ministry of Justice announced on Saturday the release of a list comprising 735 Palestinian prisoners who will be freed as part of the initial stage of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

This first phase is scheduled to begin on Sunday and will last for 42 days, during which Israel will systematically release the prisoners alongside 1,167 residents detained from Gaza. In exchange, Hamas is anticipated to set free 33 Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza.

Israel indicated that numerous individuals on the list were convicted of serious crimes, including murder. Notably, Ahmed Barghouti was serving 13 life sentences for the deaths of 12 Israelis, while Majdi Zaatari received 23 life sentences plus an additional 50 years for facilitating a 2003 suicide bombing in Jerusalem that resulted in 23 fatalities.

Included among those slated for release is Salim Hajja, a senior member of Hamas, who was serving 16 life sentences for his role in a bus bombing in Haifa in 2001 that claimed 15 lives. Additionally, Mohammed Naifa, a prominent militant from the Tanzim faction, was convicted of murdering 13 Israelis and sentenced to 13 life terms.

The list also features Zakaria Zubeidi, the commander of Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in Jenin, West Bank, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Israeli citizens, especially families of the victims, are permitted to petition the High Court of Justice to contest the release of particular prisoners.

Earlier that day, the Israeli government ratified a ceasefire agreement aimed at facilitating the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, following an extensive cabinet meeting, as stated by the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, 24 ministers voted in favor, while eight opposed.

On Sunday, three Israeli women and 95 Palestinian prisoners are scheduled to be released as part of the initial phase of the agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned at the meeting that he received assurances from US President-elect Donald Trump regarding a suspended arms supply to Israel once he assumes office, according to Channel 12 News.

"This is crucial because if we fail to achieve the second phase of the agreement, we will have additional means to return to combat," Netanyahu stated. "Trump is providing full support to Israel to resume warfare if the agreement is breached."

The complete cabinet meeting followed a decision by Israel's restricted security cabinet, which endorsed the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage agreement on Friday.

Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich opposed the agreement, demanding a government guarantee to recommence fighting in Gaza once the first phase concludes, in which Hamas is to release 33 Israeli hostages.

On Friday, Hamas declared that disputes have been resolved, affirming its commitment to the full terms of the agreement in a statement.