Qatar confirmed that, as part of the ceasefire deal, 33 Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in Gaza will be released in the first phase. This release is part of a broader agreement that also includes the release of about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. The first phase of the agreement is set to last 42 days and may potentially lead to a permanent ceasefire.
The 33 Israeli prisoners to be freed will include civilian women, female recruits, children, the elderly, and the ill or wounded. These prisoners are part of a total of 94 Israelis captured by Hamas since October 7, 2023, which also includes 34 individuals the Israeli military has declared dead. Israel is prepared to make significant concessions in exchange for these 33 individuals.
In return, Israel has agreed to release approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving long sentences. During the ceasefire, Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza but remain positioned on the border to facilitate the prisoner swap, the return of remains, and the resettlement of displaced people. Negotiations for a second phase will begin 16 days after the first phase starts.
The ceasefire agreement also includes the establishment of a buffer zone within Gaza, with Israeli forces remaining up to 800 meters inside Gaza from Rafah to Beit Hanun. The full withdrawal of Israeli forces will occur only once all prisoners are returned. Qatar, the United States, and Egypt will monitor the deal and continue negotiations for the subsequent phases.
