Israel to release over 1,800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 hostages in Gaza ceasefire deal

Egypt’s foreign ministry has announced that Israel will release over 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Hamas freeing 33 Israeli detainees as part of the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

This deal, brokered by Egypt with the help of regional and international partners, is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time (06:30 GMT) on January 19, the Egyptian foreign ministry said, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In the first phase of the ceasefire, lasting 42 days, Hamas will release 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for Israel freeing over 1,890 Palestinian prisoners, according to the ministry.

The ministry highlighted the commitment of the mediators to ensure the full and timely implementation of the agreement across all three stages. 

Egypt called on the international community to offer all essential humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people and to create an urgent plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. In coordination with Qatar and the United States, Egypt will establish a joint operations room based in Egypt. 

This room will oversee the exchange of detainees and prisoners, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the movement of individuals after the Rafah crossing is reopened. Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement following intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the US. 

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 individuals to Gaza as hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a military operation aimed at eliminating Hamas. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, the war has resulted in over 46,500 deaths. Israel reports that 94 of its citizens remain in Gaza, including 34 presumed dead, along with four other Israelis taken before the war, two of whom are also believed to be dead.

By Naila Huseynova