Israel has announced that it will release 735 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. The agreement, set to begin on Sunday, will be carried out in three phases, with the first phase lasting six weeks.
The Israeli justice ministry confirmed the release of 33 Israeli hostages during this initial phase. The government's approval of the deal has paved the way for its implementation.
The ministry has disclosed the names of the prisoners scheduled for release, with the exception of 25 minors aged between 16 and 18. On the first day of the exchange, 95 prisoners are expected to be released, comprising 70 females and 25 males.
As part of the agreement, three female Israeli civilian hostages are also set to be released on Sunday, according to US officials familiar with the matter.
