Tel Aviv: Israel has begun releasing Palestinian prisoners after Hamas’ release of three hostages under a ceasefire deal halting 15 months of war in Gaza. A bus carrying 32 prisoners left Ofer Military Prison for the West Bank, while around 150 others were sent to Gaza or deported. Palestinian authorities say 183 prisoners are being freed, including those serving life sentences and 111 detainees from Gaza arrested after October 7, 2023, AP reported.
Earlier, Hamas handed over hostages Yarden Bibas, French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon and American-Israeli Keith Siegel to the Red Cross. They were among those abducted in Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which triggered the war. Their release brings the total to 18 hostages freed since the ceasefire began on January 19. Unlike a chaotic hostage release on Thursday, Saturday’s transfer was orderly, with masked militants standing in formation as hostages were presented before being escorted away.
Israel-Hamas prisoner swap
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, thousands gathered to watch the release live, waving signs and cheering. The ceasefire, in place for two weeks, aims to end the war, the deadliest between Israel and Hamas, and facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. During the six-week first phase, 33 Israeli hostages are to be exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel has been informed that eight of those hostages were killed or died in captivity.
Meanwhile, wounded Palestinians are expected to be evacuated to Egypt via the Rafah crossing, which was closed by Israel in May. A European Union mission arrived Friday to prepare for reopening. The Health Ministry said 50 sick and wounded children, along with 61 companions, are to be evacuated.
Release of hostages spark hope
Siegel, 65, a North Carolina native, was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. His wife, Aviva Siegel, released in 2023, led a campaign for his return. Bibas’ release raised concerns about his wife and two sons, whom Hamas claims were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Kalderon, captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was reunited with his family after his children were freed last year. Negotiations for a second ceasefire phase will begin next week. If no deal is reached, the war could resume in March.
