Israel to release 602 Palestinian prisoners, Hamas to release 6 hostages under swap deal
A Hamas member stands guard as a Red Cross vehicles arrives at the site of the handing over the bodies of four Israeli hostages in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza on February 20, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Israel is set to release 602 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday as part of an ongoing prisoner swap agreement, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Media Office.
The released prisoners include 50 individuals sentenced to life imprisonment and 60 others serving lengthy prison terms. Additionally, 47 Palestinians who were rearrested after their initial release in the 2011 Shalit Deal will also be freed.
The agreement further includes the release of 445 Palestinians from Gaza who were detained following the October 7, 2023, escalation.
Prisoner exchange agreement
The release of the Palestinian prisoners is part of the first phase of the swap deal, which follows the submission of names for six Israeli captives set to be freed on Saturday.
According to the agreement, Israel has already released 1,135 Palestinian prisoners, including many serving life sentences.
Following Saturday’s release, a total of 1,737 Palestinian prisoners will have been freed under the first phase of the deal.
Hamas announces names of Israeli captives
Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the names of six Israeli captives scheduled for release on February 22, Saturday.
The individuals identified are Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem-Tov, Omer Wenkert, Tal Shoham, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham Al-Sayed.
As part of the agreement, Israel has so far recovered 19 captives alive and four bodies.
On Feb. 22, six additional captives will be released, while another four bodies are expected to be handed over next week, marking the conclusion of the first phase of the swap.
Delays in negotiations for second phase
While the second phase of the deal was initially scheduled to begin on February 3, negotiations have been delayed by Israel.
Under the initial agreement, the first phase consists of three stages, each lasting 42 days, with further negotiations required before advancing to the next phase.
Ceasefire agreement and ongoing conflict
The ceasefire agreement, which facilitated the prisoner swap, took effect last month. The truce temporarily halted Israel’s military offensive, which has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza.
Palestinian authorities report that at least 48,300 people, primarily women and children, have been killed in the enclave since the conflict escalated.
International legal proceedings
Israel currently faces legal challenges at the international level. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its military actions in the region.
Restrictions in the West Bank
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has restricted access to several areas in the occupied West Bank following a series of security incidents, including explosions in Tel Aviv’s Bat-Yam district.
The Israeli army confirmed that security measures have been tightened and ongoing intelligence operations are being conducted in coordination with domestic security agencies.
