Up to 50 Palestinians to be released per Israeli captive: Source
3 Min Read
The prisoner swap deal is part of the ceasefire agreement and could see hundreds of Palestinians released.
-
Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and the Israeli occupation in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (AP)
A Palestinian source disclosed exclusive details to Al Mayadeen regarding the prisoner exchange agreement tied to the ceasefire deal.
Speaking on Friday, the source stated that for every female or child captive released by the Palestinian resistance, 30 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, would be freed. Similarly, for every elderly captive aged 50 or older, or for those suffering from illnesses, 30 elderly or sick Palestinian detainees will be released.
The source further elaborated that for each Israeli female soldier released, 30 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 20 others with lengthy sentences—who have 15 years or less remaining—will be freed.
The initial phase of the agreement focuses on Palestinian prisoners who were previously part of the 2011 exchange deal but were later rearrested by Israeli authorities, numbering 47 individuals.
Additionally, the agreement ensures that Palestinian prisoners freed under this deal would not be rearrested on the same charges for which they were previously detained. They will not be required to serve the remainder of their initial sentences, nor will they need to sign any documents as a condition for their release.
Ben-Gvir threatens resignation
Far-right Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced Thursday that his Otzma Yehudit party would leave the coalition government if the recently mediated ceasefire agreement with Hamas is approved.
Ben-Gvir sharply criticized the deal, describing it as "reckless" and claiming it includes concessions that undermine the Israeli occupation achievements. "The agreement involves releasing hundreds of murderers, the return of hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents to the northern sector, including thousands of terrorists, withdrawal from the Philadelphi Route, and a ceasefire," he stated. According to Ben-Gvir, the deal "ends all the accomplishments we have achieved for the state and does not ensure the release of all the hostages."
Emphasizing his party's position, Ben-Gvir declared that Otzma Yehudit, under his leadership, "does not topple Netanyahu nor cooperate with the left and its goals against the government. However, we cannot remain part of a government that approves a deal providing a significant reward to Hamas and risks another catastrophe like October 7."
Israeli Channel 12 journalist Liel Dafna suggested that Ben-Gvir's stance aims to draw Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party, and Likud Knesset members into opposing the agreement. Dafna noted that Ben-Gvir has not yet resigned to maintain pressure on the coalition while attempting to rally additional opposition to the deal.
