Watan-Al Jazeera revealed the route that will be followed in the prisoner exchange process as part of the deal reached between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas.
Waleed Al-Omari, the Al Jazeera bureau chief in Ramallah, stated that Hamas will provide a list today containing the names of Israeli prisoners who will be released, specifically focusing on women and children.
He added that the release of these prisoners will occur in stages during the ceasefire period (four days), noting that the total number of prisoners to be released is 50, including 30 children, 12 women, and eight mothers.
Evacuation through the Rafah Crossing
He clarified that after Israel receives and approves the list, Hamas will begin releasing the prisoners on Thursday. The release will take place by handing them over to the International Red Cross, which will transport them to the Rafah Crossing from the Egyptian side. Subsequently, they will be handed over to the Israeli army at the Israeli border.
Release of Prisoners in Stages
After the Israeli army takes custody and verifies them, Israel will commence the release of the first batch of Palestinian male and female prisoners covered by this deal. The total number in this initial release will be 150 prisoners.
He pointed out that the Israeli government has approved the release of 300 prisoners if the ceasefire is extended at a ratio of 1:3. This means that the release of one Israeli prisoner corresponds to the release of three Palestinian prisoners.
Qatar Announces Ceasefire Deal
The State of Qatar has announced the successful mediation efforts in reaching a humanitarian ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This comes after 46 days of the conflict initiated by the Israeli army against the besieged enclave.
دولة قطر تعلن التوصل لاتفاق هدنة إنسانية في غزة
الدوحة – 22 نوفمبر 2023
دولة قطر تعلن نجاح جهود الوساطة المشتركة مع جمهورية مصر العربية والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية بين اسرائيل وحركة المقاومة الإسلامية (حماس) والتي أسفرت عن التوصل إلى اتفاق لهدنة إنسانية سيتم الاعلان عن توقيت…
— الخارجية القطرية (@MofaQatar_AR) November 22, 2023
In a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, posted on its “Ex” platform account, it was stated: “Qatar announces the success of joint mediation efforts with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), resulting in an agreement for a humanitarian ceasefire. The timing of its commencement will be announced within 24 hours, and it will last for four days, with the possibility of extension.”
According to the Qatari Foreign Ministry statement, the agreement includes the exchange of 50 civilian women and children prisoners in the Gaza Strip in the first phase, in return for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. The numbers of those released will be increased in subsequent stages of the agreement.
The ceasefire allows for the entry of a greater number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for humanitarian needs.
Qatar, as stated in the release, reaffirmed its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, prevent bloodshed, and protect civilians.