Israeli media reveal prisoner exchange details: Phase one Sunday 4 pm
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A statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms that "the deal can proceed according to the planned mechanism on Sunday, pending cabinet approval."
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IOF soldiers walk by a tank during the ground invasion of the Gaza Strip in Khan Younis, on Saturday, January 27, 2024. (AP)
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza, signed in Doha last night between Hamas and "Israel", is set to take effect as planned on Sunday, with no delays expected despite the timing of Israeli government meetings, according to Israeli media.
A statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that "the deal can proceed according to the planned mechanism on Sunday, pending cabinet approval."
Mediators announced the agreement on Wednesday, with implementation scheduled for Sunday at 12:15 pm local time.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that the first phase of the prisoner exchange, which is expected to include the release of three Israeli women, is set to take place at 4:00 pm on the same day.
Finalized terms of the prisoner exchange
Israeli media unveiled details of the finalized prisoner exchange agreement between "Israel" and Hamas. The deal reportedly includes the release of Palestinian detainees with heavy sentences in exchange for sick and wounded Israeli captives in Gaza.
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that the agreement was reached after hours of negotiations in Doha, which included disputes over detainee lists.
The finalized terms include:
- Release of 110 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences in exchange for 9 sick and wounded Israeli captives.
- Release of 1,000 Palestinian detainees arrested after October 7, who "were not involved in combat operations."
- Exchange of 3 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences for each adult Israeli captive.
- Complete withdrawal of invading Israeli units from the Philadelphi Axis within 50 days of the agreement's implementation.
- Establishment of a security zone between Gaza and Israeli settlements, 700 meters wide, except for five areas where the width will extend to 1.1 kilometers.
Key details emerge
In a related context, Haaretz reported that 290 detainees serving life sentences are set to be released under the exchange deal. Additionally, 600 Palestinian detainees with sentences exceeding 15 years will also gain their freedom as part of the agreement.
Early this morning, Hamas announced that obstacles caused by "Israel's" failure to comply with the ceasefire terms had been resolved through mediation efforts. The movement confirmed that the lists of Palestinian detainees to be released in the first phase of the exchange will be published incrementally by the Prisoners' Office.
Netanyahu’s promises vs. agreement realities
Israeli media highlighted stark contradictions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public assurances and the actual terms of the agreement with Hamas, which include significant concessions.
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation also reported that Netanyahu’s earlier pledge to avoid withdrawing from the Philadelphi Axis contrasts with the agreement's phased withdrawal plan. The first stage involves gradual withdrawal, culminating in a full pullout during the second phase.
Moreover, "Israel" has dropped its prior demand to impose monitoring.
Read more: Hamas' to-be-released fighters to reinforce West Bank presence: Ynet
