In a move tied to the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, 60 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel are set to be deported to Turkey, Qatar, Malaysia, and Pakistan. The prisoners, who are currently housed in a hotel in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, are awaiting final arrangements for their relocation.
According to Abdullah Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, each of the four countries will take in 15 prisoners. Discussions are ongoing with other nations to accommodate the remaining individuals, with Egypt also negotiating to host future releases.
This release is part of a broader January 2024 ceasefire agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, which included the exchange of prisoners and hostages. Since the deal’s implementation on January 19, Hamas has freed 18 hostages, and in return, Israel has released hundreds of Palestinians. However, Israel stipulated that prisoners convicted of serious crimes would not be sent to Gaza or the West Bank, thus Egypt temporarily hosting those individuals.
Recent Developments: On Saturday, Israel completed its fourth prisoner-for-hostage swap, releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners, of which 150 were from Gaza, 32 from the West Bank, and one who holds Egyptian citizenship, who will be returned to Egypt. These prisoners were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross for their safe transport.
This prisoner release is part of the fragile truce aimed at reducing tensions and achieving a lasting peace between the two sides.
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