Hamas Announces List of Palestinians to Be Released
Istanbul – The Palestinian group Hamas has announced that it has submitted a list of Palestinians it wishes Israel to release following the signing of the first phase of a US-proposed Gaza ceasefire deal. This development was reported by Anadolu Ajansi.
In a statement released on Telegram, Hamas emphasized that the release of Palestinians would occur through a prisoner exchange, in accordance with the criteria outlined in the ceasefire agreement. The group highlighted that Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails are one of its top priorities and stated that efforts will continue “until the last Palestinian prisoner is freed.”
Earlier, Hamas had announced its agreement with the first phase of the US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan. The group expressed appreciation for the efforts of Trump along with those of Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt.
“Hamas announces that an agreement has been reached providing for an end to the war on Gaza, the withdrawal of the occupiers, the entry of humanitarian aid and a prisoner exchange,” the statement said.
Details of the Ceasefire Plan
The group’s statement came shortly after Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of the US-proposed Gaza deal. The 20-point plan, initially announced on September 29, includes several key elements such as the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and the rebuilding of Gaza.
Following the Palestinian group’s cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, around 250 hostages were taken to Gaza. According to Tel Aviv’s estimates, nearly 50 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, including approximately 20 who are believed to be alive.
Situation of Palestinian Prisoners
More than 11,000 Palestinians are currently being held in Israeli jails, with 3,544 of them detained without trial, according to the Israeli human rights group the Centre for the Defence of the Individual (HaMoked).
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of nearly 67,200 Palestinians in the enclave, with most of the casualties being women and children. This tragic loss of life underscores the urgent need for a lasting peace and resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Key Points of the Ceasefire Agreement
- The ceasefire aims to bring an end to the war on Gaza and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.
- Humanitarian aid will be allowed to enter Gaza to address the growing needs of the population.
- A prisoner exchange will take place, with the release of both Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.
- The disarmament of Hamas is a crucial component of the agreement.
- The rebuilding of Gaza will be initiated to restore infrastructure and support the local community.
This development marks a significant step towards resolving the long-standing conflict in the region. However, the road to peace remains complex and requires continued dialogue and cooperation between all parties involved.
