Completion of Hamas-Israel Prisoner-Hostage Exchange's Second Phase Confirmed by Red Cross

Synopsis

The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed the completion of the second phase of the prisoner-hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel, involving 200 Palestinian prisoners and four Israeli hostages, as part of a ceasefire agreement initiated after extensive negotiations.

Key Takeaways

200 Palestinian prisoners released.
Four Israeli hostages returned safely.
ICRC acted as a neutral facilitator.
Exchange conducted under ceasefire terms.
Calls for continued dialogue and humanitarian commitment.

Gaza, Jan 26 (NationPress) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed the successful conclusion of the second phase of a prisoner-hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel, conducted under the original stipulations of a ceasefire agreement.

This phase involved the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners and four Israeli hostages, executed after extensive coordination and assessment procedures by the ICRC, which acted as a neutral facilitator to ensure the exchange proceeded safely and smoothly.

The Israeli hostages were safely transferred, with their welfare being a top priority. Meanwhile, the Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli detention facilities and moved to Gaza and the West Bank following interviews conducted by the ICRC, where their identities were verified, health conditions evaluated, and travel readiness confirmed.

The ICRC has called for sustained dialogue between the involved parties and their ongoing humanitarian obligations to establish the necessary conditions for future exchanges, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Earlier on Saturday, both the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Security Agency issued a joint statement confirming that four female Israeli soldier hostages held in Gaza were returned to them and crossed back into Israel.

Additionally, Abdullah Zaghari, the head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, along with Palestinian officials in the Ramallah Governorate, stated that the 200 Palestinian prisoners were handed over to the ICRC.

Reports from Palestinian sources and Egyptian media indicate that some prisoners were released in the West Bank, others headed for Gaza, and some arrived in Egypt via the Rafah crossing.

The initial phase of the six-week ceasefire commenced on January 19.

This ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel followed 15 months of intense conflict, resulting from negotiations facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.