An important development in the Gaza crisis is that Israel and Hamas are planning to start exchanging hostages and prisoners early Monday. This exchange follows the implementation of a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the war-torn territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as “the beginning of a new path,” urging national unity as the process gets underway.
What is the Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal?
The Israel-Hamas hostage deal is the first phase of a peace plan that led to a ceasefire in Gaza. The core of the agreement involves an exchange: Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attack will be released in return for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The first phase aims to bring back 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 who have died, laying the groundwork for future talks.
Key Details of the Prisoner Exchange
Careful planning has gone into the prisoner exchange’s logistical arrangements. A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that the release of the 20 living hostages is expected to occur in one group between 4 am and 6 am local time on Monday. The hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross, which will transport them to Israel in a convoy of six to eight vehicles. Palestinian prisoners will be freed only after Israel confirms all the hostages have crossed its border.
The Role of the Red Cross in the Swap
An essential humanitarian role in this effort is played by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Acting as a neutral party, the Red Cross will receive the hostages from Hamas in Gaza and take them to Israel. They are required to inform Israeli officials two hours before the handover to keep the process safe and organized.
Hamas Demands for Palestinian Prisoners
A central point of negotiation involves the specific Palestinian prisoners to be released. Sources familiar with the discussions say Hamas has demanded that seven prominent Palestinian leaders be included on the list, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat. However, Israel has refused to release them, which could become a sticking point in later negotiations.
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The Upcoming Egypt Peace Summit
Following the initial exchange, a major peace summit is scheduled to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The summit, led by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, aims to create lasting peace and end the two-year war in Gaza. Given the delicate political circumstances, an Israeli spokeswoman did clarify that no Israeli officials will participate.
