Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners on Monday, one of the significant steps it has taken under the recently brokered ceasefire agreement, several hours after Iran-backed group Hamas freed three Israeli women hostages. The exchange marked the first phase of the much-anticipated truce between the two sides, which have been engaged in conflict since October 7, 2023.
Ceasefire Agreement Takes Effect
The truce, facilitated by mediators from Qatar, the US, and Egypt, came into effect just before the inauguration of Donald Trump for his second term as US President. This ceasefire, initially set for 42 days, aims to bring an end to the more than 15-month-long war in Gaza and pave the way for further negotiations.
Details of Hostage Release
On Sunday afternoon, Hamas handed over three Israeli women hostages—Damari (28), Romi Gonen (24), and Doron Steinbrecher (31)—to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza. Upon their return to Israel, they were reunited with their families and taken to a hospital in central Israel, where doctors confirmed they were in stable condition.
- Emily Damari, who holds joint British and Israeli citizenship, was abducted from her apartment in the Kfar Aza kibbutz during the October 7 attack.
- Romi Gonen, a former volunteer scouts counselor, was kidnapped while attending the Nova music festival near the Gaza border.
- Doron Steinbrecher, a veterinary nurse, was taken from her home in Kfar Aza when Hamas militants breached her safe room.
Palestinian Prisoner Release
Following the release of the Israeli hostages, Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners in the occupied West Bank. The prisoners were greeted by celebratory crowds waving Palestinian and Hamas flags in the town of Beitunia.
Prior to their release, the prisoners were transferred to Ofer Prison, where their identities were verified and medical checks conducted by the Israel Prisons Service in coordination with security forces and the government.
Reports indicate that the freed prisoners include 78 residents from the West Bank and 12 from East Jerusalem. The released individuals were transported to their respective areas, with some being taken to Ramallah and their homes in East Jerusalem.
Breakdown of Released Prisoners
According to reports:
- 69 of the released prisoners were women, including one minor.
- Eight were male minors.
- 12 men were convicted of minor offenses such as incitement, association with terrorism, and disorderly conduct.
Further Developments and Next Phases
As part of the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, a total of 33 Israeli hostages—31 of whom were captured during the October 7 attack—are expected to be exchanged for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Among those to be released are over 230 Palestinians serving life sentences for deadly attacks on Israelis, many of whom will reportedly be deported to countries such as Qatar or Turkey.
The first phase of the ceasefire will last for 42 days, with negotiations for the second phase set to begin within two weeks. Israel’s security cabinet will decide the future course of action based on the outcomes of this initial period.
