Gaza prisoner exchange begins today, Netanyahu faces growing pressure
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Over 2,000 Palestinians are set for release from Israeli prisons as Netanyahu faces backlash and Trump calls deal his top achievement.
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Hamas fighters take up positions ahead of a Israeli captive release in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on February 8, 2025. (AP)
The first phase of the captive-detainee exchange deal between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli occupation begins in the coming hours, following intensive negotiations brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
Red Cross buses have been deployed in Gaza and at Ofer Prison to begin the transfer of detainees, while the political fallout in "Israel" intensifies, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing domestic criticism over the terms of the agreement.
مشاهد تُظهر استعدادات الصليب الأحمر في #دير_البلح لاستقبال الأسرى الفلسطينيين المُرتقب الإفراج عنهم ضمن صفقة التبادل.#غزة_أسطورة_الصمود#الميادين pic.twitter.com/Zuc02zv1AG
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) October 13, 2025
Over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners set for release
According to Israeli media, government ministers were asked to urgently vote on a final list of more than 2,000 Palestinian prisoners to be released in the initial phase of the deal. The final list was agreed upon after complex negotiations involving all parties.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli occupation forces continued raids across the West Bank overnight.
Several homes of prisoners scheduled for release were stormed, including those of Ali Abayat in Beit Lahm and Samer Halabiya in Abu Dis, near al-Quds.
Raids and arrests were also reported in Nablus, Qabatiya, and Deir Istiya in the Salfit governorate.
Prisoner families in limbo
Red Cross vehicles gathered early this morning at Ofer Prison, in preparation for the release process.
However, Palestinian families have yet to receive official confirmation regarding which prisoners will be freed or who may be deported as part of the deal.
In parallel, hundreds of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv to await the return of captives.
Families of Israeli captives were brought to the Reim military base ahead of their expected reunions. Israeli estimates indicate the exchange process will begin at 8:00 am from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.
Haaretz: A deal imposed on a “Weak Netanyahu”
Reflecting tensions within the Israeli political establishment, Israeli newspaper Haaretz described the ceasefire and exchange deal as a defeat for Netanyahu. “The Gaza war ended with an agreement imposed on the weak Netanyahu,” the newspaper wrote, adding that "Israel did not win the war."
Despite this, Netanyahu has attempted to frame the agreement as a political victory achieved with US backing.
Trump: Gaza deal my greatest achievement
Speaking to Israeli Channel 12, US President Donald Trump described the Gaza agreement as “his greatest political achievement.” The White House confirmed it continues to oversee implementation of the first phase, which includes:
- A full ceasefire
- The withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces
- The gradual release of prisoners on both sides
- The deal marks a major turning point in the conflict, with eyes now on whether all phases of the agreement will proceed smoothly in the coming days.
