The Israeli Justice Ministry announced plans to begin releasing Palestinian prisoners on Sunday as part of the newly agreed Gaza ceasefire arrangement. According to the statement released on Friday, a list of 95 prisoners scheduled for release will be published. The release will only proceed after the Israeli government formally approves the ceasefire deal, with the earliest possible time set for 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Sunday.
Ceasefire Deal Approval
Israel’s security cabinet has already approved the ceasefire and hostage release agreement, negotiated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. The full Israeli cabinet is expected to convene later on Friday to finalize the decision. This agreement aims to bring an end to one of the deadliest conflicts in Gaza’s history.
Key Provisions of the Ceasefire
The deal includes the following elements:
- Hostage Release: Hamas will release Israeli captives held since its attack on October 7, 2023.
- Prisoner Exchange: Over the coming weeks, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are expected to be freed.
- Ceasefire Terms: Violence between the two sides is set to halt, contingent upon the deal’s final approval.
Continued Tensions
Despite the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Israeli airstrikes have continued, with the military reporting strikes on approximately 50 locations in Gaza within a 24-hour period on Thursday.
U.S. Involvement and Timing
The ceasefire deal comes shortly before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president. Trump’s administration will likely inherit the ongoing situation and its diplomatic implications.
