Hamas, Israel reach agreement for hostage-prisoner exchange to take place on Feb.27
A Red Cross vehicle arrives at the site of the handing over the bodies of four Israeli hostages in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza on Feb. 20, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Hamas and Israel have agreed to a hostage-prisoner exchange, under which Hamas will return the bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners.
Exchange set to take place on Feb.27
Two senior Hamas officials confirmed that the exchange is scheduled for Feb. 27, Thursday, following mediation efforts.
According to a Hamas source, “Mediators have informed Hamas that the exchange will take place on Thursday… Hamas and other resistance factions will hand over four bodies of Israeli captives, and in return, Israel will release more than 600 Palestinian detainees.”
An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the bodies of four Israeli hostages were expected to be turned over but provided no further details.
Dispute over prisoner releases delayed agreement
The agreement resolves an impasse that threatened to derail the cease-fire.
Hamas accused Israel of violating the deal by delaying the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, which were due to be freed last week. Israel, however, had postponed the releases in protest of what it described as Hamas’ treatment of hostages during their return.
Under the agreement, Israel will release an equivalent number of Palestinian women and children detainees besides the 602 security prisoners.
Hamas and Israel complete phase one of cease-fire
The exchange marks the completion of Phase One of the multi-stage ceasefire agreement. This phase involves:
- Hamas returned 33 hostages, including eight bodies.
- Israel releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- A pause in fighting, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, halted 15 months of heavy conflict.
This agreement is expected to clear the way for White House envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to the region. Witkoff has emphasized the need to move to Phase Two, which includes the release of all remaining hostages and discussions on a potential long-term truce.
Tensions over previous hostage releases
Earlier in the cease-fire, Hamas conducted high-profile hostage releases, during which hostages were publicly displayed and made to wave to crowds. Israel and international organizations, including the Red Cross and the United Nations, criticized these events as humiliating.
In response, Israel delayed its scheduled prisoner releases last weekend, citing alleged violations of the agreement.
