Israel and Palestine militant group Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal in Gaza after 15 months of war that saw thousands die in the Palestinian enclave and escalate tensions in the Middle East. The deal which includes the release of hostages outlines a six-week initial ceasefire that will see a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Hostages taken by militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Thirty-three hostages, both living and dead, will be released in six weeks and these include all women (civilians and soldiers), all children and men over the age of 50.
As Israeli troops withdraw from Gaza, displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to the north. During this period, Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for each kidnapped civilian and 50 for each female soldier released, according to Israeli news media Ynet.
The first three hostages will be released on Sunday. The women and children will be released first, followed by men over 50. The release of hostages will be carried out over 42 days, with at least three each week.
On Palestinian prisoners languishing in Israeli jails, all female prisoners held since October 7, 2023, will be released first. All male prisoners under 19 who were arrested since the start of the war will also be released. Between 990 and 1,650 terrorists are expected to be released. But, the final number will depend on the number of live hostages who return as part of the deal.
Talks on the second phase of the cease-fire pact will begin on the 16th of the first phase. In this phase, all remaining hostages, including soldiers, will be released. This also marks the full withdrawal of IDF soldiers.
The third phase is expected to include the return of all remaining hostages and the beginning of the reconstruction of Gaza under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar and the UN.
Israel will release a list of Palestinian prisoners who will be released after a political-security cabinet which will convene Thursday morning. This will be followed by a government meeting, at the end of which the list will be published. The IDF is preparing to return the hostages, and the name given to the operation is "Wings of Freedom."
Though Hamas is seeking to dictate the names of Palestinian prisoners who they want out, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel has a veto over the release of "mass murderers who are symbols of terror."