Hamas and Israel have executed a prisoner exchange agreement as part of a ceasefire, resulting in the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinians from Israeli detention and 20 Israelis held captive in Gaza.
On the same day, Hamas’s military wing announced its intention to transfer the remains of four deceased captives.
The released Palestinians include approximately 1,700 individuals who were captured during the recent conflict and held without charges, alongside 250 others already in Israeli prisons. The news of the releases elicited mixed emotions; while the families of some freed prisoners celebrated, 154 of them were forced into exile. In Israel, celebrations erupted as television reports confirmed that the released captives had been delivered to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Leaders from Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and the United States participated in a signing ceremony for a document outlining the rules for implementing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, praised by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement emphasizes the pursuit of tolerance, dignity, and equitable opportunity for everyone, enabling individuals in the region to achieve their aspirations in a harmonious and secure environment, irrespective of their race, religion, or ethnicity.
Notably, no representatives from Israel or Hamas attended the summit, although Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was present. The agreement articulates a vision for comprehensive peace, security, and collective prosperity founded on mutual respect and shared objectives. It also acknowledges progress toward establishing lasting peace arrangements in the Gaza Strip and aims to enhance relations between Israel and its regional neighbors.
The situation continues to develop, but this exchange marks a significant step in the ongoing conflict between the two parties.
Tags: Hamas, Israel, captives exchange, Gaza deal, Middle East diplomacy
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