Israel prepares to release Palestinian prisoners under Gaza Ceasefire Deal

The Israel Prison Service (IPS) has declared its preparedness to complete the release of Palestinian inmates in accordance with the agreement to exchange hostages as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Kobi Yakobi, the chief commissioner of the Israeli prison service, has conducted another evaluation to ensure the operation proceeds smoothly.

Since the ceasefire commenced, ten Israeli hostages have been freed. An additional three individuals are anticipated to be released on Thursday. In return, the Israeli prison service has received a list of security inmates scheduled for release from various prisons.

After completing all required preparations, the elite Nachshon unit of the IPS will transport the prisoners to the specified handover location. Once the political authorities give their final approval, the Red Cross will transport the prisoners to release points in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), and the special units of the IPS, Nachshone, and Masada, will take them to the Kerem Shalom crossing in Gaza.

Following more than a year of conflict, casualties, and devastation, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas commenced on January 19, 2025. This agreement includes three phases, with the first phase now in progress.

The ceasefire addresses key demands from both sides, such as the return of Israeli hostages, increased humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza's densely populated areas.