Israel and Hamas reach agreement on prisoner exchange amid ceasefire deal

In a significant development, Hamas has announced that an agreement has been reached with Israel regarding the delayed release of 620 Palestinian prisoners. This comes after Hamas upheld its part of the ceasefire agreement by releasing six Israeli captives from Gaza. The exchange is expected to take place in the coming days, with Israel set to free Palestinian detainees while Hamas hands over the bodies of four Israeli captives.

Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Agreement

According to Hamas, Israel is scheduled to release additional Palestinian women and children from its prisons on Thursday. In return, Hamas will transfer the remains of four Israeli captives. The process will be overseen by Egypt to ensure both parties fulfill their commitments.

Tareq Abu Azzoum, a correspondent for Al Jazeera reporting from Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, confirmed that the exchange would occur under Egyptian supervision. This agreement is seen as a crucial step in maintaining the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.

Delays and Accusations

Tensions arose over the past week when Hamas accused Israel of undermining the ceasefire by delaying the prisoner release, which was originally set for Saturday. Israel justified the delay, citing concerns over large-scale public gatherings that took place when Israeli captives were released. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to these events as “humiliating ceremonies.”

Despite these tensions, the latest agreement ensures that both sides meet their obligations under the initial phase of the ceasefire. Under this phase, Hamas has committed to returning 33 captives, including eight bodies, in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

Negotiations for the Next Phase

Meanwhile, discussions for the next phase of the ceasefire are ongoing. Washington’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has stated that negotiations remain on track. He confirmed that an Israeli delegation is being sent to participate in talks, which are expected to take place in either Doha or Cairo, with Egyptian and Qatari mediation.

Although negotiations for the second phase were initially set to begin weeks ago, they were delayed. Witkoff, who is scheduled to visit the region in the coming days, has emphasized the importance of moving forward with discussions. The next phase aims to secure the release of all remaining captives held by Hamas and to negotiate an end to the war.

However, there are growing signs that Israel may seek an extension of the first phase of the agreement rather than immediately moving into negotiations for the second phase. Abu Azzoum reported that Israel’s actions suggest a preference for prolonging the current terms of the ceasefire.

An important aspect of the deal is Israel’s planned withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor by next Saturday. This 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) stretch of land marks the border between Gaza and Egypt and has been a focal point of contention. Israel has sought to maintain control over the corridor, complicating ceasefire discussions. The upcoming withdrawal will serve as a key test for the strength and durability of the agreement.

The agreement to proceed with the prisoner exchange marks a critical step in de-escalating tensions, but uncertainties remain regarding the future of the ceasefire. With negotiations for the next phase still in question and concerns over Israel’s strategic maneuvers, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the fragile truce can hold or if further conflict will erupt.

While this latest development offers a moment of cautious optimism, the region remains on edge as both sides navigate the complexities of a long-standing and deeply rooted conflict.