Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange of three hostages

by IANS |

Tel Aviv, Jan 20 (IANS) The Israel Prison Service announced on Monday the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.


On Sunday, Israeli authorities began transferring Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison in the West Bank, preparing them for release.


The process coincided with the Red Cross meeting Hamas forces to secure the transfer of three Israeli hostages, who were later brought to Israel, reports Xinhua news agency.


The three women—Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli, Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse, and Romi Gonen, 23, abducted from the Nova music festival—were the first hostages freed after 471 days in captivity.


Their release marked the initial stage of the agreement, which outlines the release of 33 Israeli hostages by Hamas and 990 to 1,650 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.


As part of the deal, the first group of 90 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and children from West Bank and East Jerusalem, underwent medical checks and identification procedures before being handed to the Red Cross.


Hamas, in turn, transferred the three Israeli hostages through the Red Cross to Israeli forces near the Gaza border, where they were reunited with their families.


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the moment as significant, stating, "The three went through hell."


IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari expressed gratitude for their return while emphasising that Israeli forces are prepared for any violations of the agreement.


Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida reiterated the group's commitment to the ceasefire, contingent on Israel's adherence. He described the October 7 assault, which killed 1,200 people in Israel and led to the kidnapping of 250 others, as a "turning point" in the conflict.


The ceasefire deal, which aims to halt hostilities after over 15 months of intense Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, marks the beginning of six weeks of calm.


The phased release of hostages and prisoners is seen as a critical step towards reducing tensions between the two sides.

Latest News
NIA court sentences two accused to 10-year RI in 2021 Jaggadal bomb blast case Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 01:01 PM
Collaborating with Prez Trump's team in resolving conflict with Russia, says Zelensky Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 12:49 PM
New Delhi stampede: Rs 10 lakh compensation for kin of deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for seriously injured Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 12:46 PM
New FASTag rules to streamline toll payments effective from Monday Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 12:36 PM
Actor Vijay's political party TVK to hold first general council meet on February 26 Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 12:30 PM
Bilateral investment treaties must ensure arbitrators don't ignore national interest: FM Sitharaman Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 12:27 PM
ISPL 2025: Majhi Mumbai emerge champions as Season 2 ends on a spectacular note Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 12:18 PM
New antibody discovery platform can delve deeper into Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 12:15 PM
Foreign holdings of South Korean stocks at lowest level amid Trump tariff woes Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 12:08 PM
Champions Trophy: Additional tickets for India matches to go on sale at 1:30 pm today Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 11:33 AM
Champions Trophy: India arrive in Dubai with eyes set on glory Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 11:16 AM
Europe's political struggles intensify with far right surge Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 11:11 AM
European health authorities urge greater WHO support Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 11:05 AM
Politics heats up in Telangana over reservation for Backward Classes Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 11:03 AM
Death toll rises to 18 in stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, dozens injured Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 10:57 AM