Israel, Hamas to free captives as ceasefire takes hold

Gaza/Jerusalem: A historic prisoner and hostage exchange will take place today between Hamas and Israel under a recently agreed deal, with all necessary preparations now finalized.

According to Arab media reports, Hamas will hand over 20 Israeli hostages and 28 bodies to the International Red Cross. In return, Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from its jails, including 250 inmates who were serving life sentences.

Hamas has also pushed for the release of 7 key Palestinian leaders as part of the agreement. Gaza’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that medical arrangements are in place to conduct health checks for all released Palestinian prisoners.

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared the war in Gaza over as he travels to the Middle East, where he is scheduled to address the Israeli Knesset and co-chair a summit in Egypt focused on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas’ Concerns and Israel’s Stance:

Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad has accused Israel of manipulating the prisoner list and misleading the United States on the matter. He said that Hamas is working closely with mediators to ensure full implementation of the agreement.

Hamad further stated that the next few hours will reveal how seriously Israel adheres to the deal and called on mediating countries to take notice of Israel’s conduct.

Israeli Government’s Position:

A spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister announced that no Israeli official would attend the upcoming peace conference and that Israel will not send any representatives to the Sharm El-Sheikh summit. The spokesperson emphasized that Palestinian prisoners will only be released after the safe return of Israeli hostages.

Turkish President Strongly Criticizes Israel:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has strongly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, claiming that 85% of the region has been rendered uninhabitable. He stated that water sources have been contaminated, and widespread destruction has occurred, affecting buildings, infrastructure, and agricultural land.

Emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation, Erdoğan noted that there is virtually no functioning infrastructure left in Gaza. In response to the crisis, he announced that Turkish humanitarian aid trucks have begun arriving in the region to deliver urgent assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Palestinians are returning to the ruins of their homes in northern Gaza, as desperately needed humanitarian aid begins to trickle into the region. However, officials warn that food, medicine, and other essential supplies remain in critically short supply.