Egypt says Israel will release over 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in 1st phase of Gaza ceasefire deal

BY

Egypt Today staff

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Sat, 18 Jan 2025 - 04:14 GMT

BY

Egypt Today staff

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 - 04:14 GMT

A file photo of Israeli soldiers in Gaza - WAFA

A file photo of Israeli soldiers in Gaza - WAFA

CAIRO – 18 January 2025: Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Israel will release more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza as part of the first phase of the anticipated ceasefire deal.

In a statement on Saturday, the ministry confirmed that this first phase will last for 42 days and is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 8:30 AM.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was announced on Wednesday and approved by Israel’s Cabinet today, is set to commence at 6:30 AM GMT tomorrow, with the first captives expected to be released.

The phased agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, aims to halt the Israeli war in Gaza, which have resulted in nearly 46,900 fatalities and over 110,700 injuries since its start on October 7, 2023.

The deal is anticipated to secure the release of around 94 captives still held by Hamas, around one-third of whom are presumed dead.

The Egyptian foreign ministry emphasized the nation’s commitment to coordinate with Qatar and the US to ensure the ceasefire is consolidated and its terms fully implemented.

This will be facilitated through the establishment of a joint operations room based in Egypt, the ministry said.

The joint room will oversee the exchange of captives and prisoners, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the monitoring of individual movements following the resumption of operations at the Rafah border crossing.

According to an informed Egyptian source on Friday, the joint chamber will consist of representatives from Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, the United States, and Israel.

The foreign ministry underscored the mediators’ dedication to implementing the three phases of the agreement within the agreed-upon timelines, aiming to put an end to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza.

Egypt highlighted the heavy toll of the Israeli military operations, which have resulted in over 50,000 deaths and more than 100,000 injuries, most of whom are women and children.

The ministry also cited the devastating impact of the war, causing infrastructure of Gaza to collapse and rendering the enclave uninhabitable.

RESTORING TRUST

Egypt called for the swift creation of a roadmap to restore trust between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, paving the way for their return to the negotiating table.

The ministry urged taking the necessary measures to resolve the Palestinian cause based on the two-state solution and in accordance with international resolutions, which would establish an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Additionally, Egypt has prepared its hospitals in North Sinai and neighboring governorates to receive Palestinian patients and the injured once the Rafah crossing opens after the ceasefire.

Moreover, Egyptian efforts have intensified to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip.

As per the ceasefire deal, 600 truckloads of aid are set to be delivered to Gaza on a daily basis during the first phase, spanning six weeks. Of these trucks, 50 will be carrying fuel.

Half of these 600 aid trucks will head of northern Gaza, where a famine looms.

3-PHASE DEAL

The first phase of the agreement includes a ceasefire, withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, an exchange of prisoners and detainees, and the return of the remains of the deceased.

During this initial phase, internally displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza, and arrangements will be made for the sick and wounded to receive treatment.

The first phase also aims to intensify the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale in the Gaza Strip, rehabilitate hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, and provide civil defense supplies and fuel, as well as shelter for those displaced by the war.

Talks regarding the implementation of the second phase of the agreement are set to commence on the 16th day of the first phase.

The second phase stage is anticipated to encompass the release of all remaining hostages, the establishment of a lasting ceasefire, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase will focus on the recovery of all remaining deceased individuals and the initiation of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.

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