In round 2, Hamas to release 4 captives for 120 Palestinians: Source

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
20 Jan 2025 23:03
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The Islamic Resistance Movement has announced that the second phase of the prisoner exchange will take place as scheduled next Saturday, January 25.

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Fighters of the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, stand by vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Saraya Square in western Gaza City, on January 19, 2025 (AFP)

The second prisoner exchange round taking place on the seventh day of the agreement will see the release of four Israeli female captives in exchange for 120 Palestinian detainees, a senior source within the Resistance leadership told Al Mayadeen on Monday.

Separately, the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, announced that the second phase of the prisoner exchange will take place as scheduled next Saturday, January 25.

The first and second days of implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza proceeded well in terms of prisoner exchanges and the entry of humanitarian aid to the strip, the source confirmed.

The source, however, highlighted "several Israeli violations of the agreement, including surveillance drone activity and shootings targeting civilians," warning that such breaches, particularly the shootings, put the agreement at risk.

In the same context, the source confirmed to Al Mayadeen that "the Qatari and Egyptian mediators, who are coordinating with Hamas, the Americans, and the Israelis to ensure the agreement is upheld, are closely monitoring the situation."

According to the source, a large number of humanitarian aid trucks have entered Gaza through the border crossings, with the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent overseeing their delivery.

On the first day of the implementation of the agreement, the number of trucks entering Gaza reached approximately 500, while on the second day, it exceeded 600, the source said.

Elsewhere, the source stated that "heavy equipment will be brought into Gaza to remove rubble, recover bodies, and open roads."

The ceasefire agreement in Gaza between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli occupation came into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. However, the occupation breached the agreement shortly thereafter, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Since the ceasefire took effect, hundreds of trucks loaded with food and medical supplies have reached the Rafah border crossing in preparation for entry into the Gaza Strip.

According to the terms obtained by Al Mayadeen, the agreement stipulates the entry of 600 aid trucks daily as part of a humanitarian protocol overseen by Qatar, alongside the delivery of 200,000 tents and 60,000 caravans for urgent shelter needs.

On Sunday, Hamas affirmed that it is monitoring the delivery of aid and the relief of Gaza's residents with all necessary measures, emphasizing its commitment to making every effort to provide all required support and assistance to restore normal life in the Gaza Strip.

Abu Obeida, the military spokesperson for Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades, also made it clear that the movement's commitment to the ceasefire is contingent on the enemy’s adherence to the agreement.