An emerging deal is set to see the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held in Gaza. The spokesperson of the Palestinian Prisoners and Released Prisoners Affairs Authority has revealed that the release will occur in six batches during the first stage of the agreement.
Hamas is expected to release a total of 33 hostages in the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement. The first five batches will involve the exchange of between 100 to 120 Palestinian prisoners for three hostages each. The sixth and largest batch will include more than three hostages and will feature prisoners who were previously released during the 2011 Shalit deal.
It is noted that some of the prisoners released in the 2011 exchange were later re-arrested by Israel. The sixth batch will also include Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, as confirmed by the spokesperson.
As of January 2025, there are over 10,400 Palestinian prisoners being held, according to the Commission of Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society. Additionally, Hamas and its allies are currently holding 94 individuals who were taken from Israel in October 2023. The Israeli government has reported at least 34 deaths among the hostages, with the actual number expected to be higher. Furthermore, Hamas is holding four hostages who have been captive since 2014, with at least two confirmed to be deceased.
