Hamas Set to Release Prisoner List as Israel Prepares for Next Phase of Exchange Deal
Four Prisoners Expected to Be Released Saturday Amid Netanyahu's Pledge to Secure All Israeli Captives.
Watan-Israeli Channel 14 reported that Hamas is expected to deliver the list of prisoners in Gaza today, Friday, who may be released tomorrow.
Netanyahu’s Pledge
In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to bringing back all Israeli prisoners from Gaza.
This came during a video call with the families of the three female prisoners released last week as part of the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal.
The families conveyed, on behalf of the freed prisoners, their request to continue efforts to release all prisoners, stating that such a step would bring strength and healing to them and to Israeli society as a whole.
Pending Release and Phase Two Negotiations
Israeli newspapers reported on Thursday that Israel is preparing to receive the names of three female soldiers and a civilian prisoner held in Gaza ahead of their expected release on Saturday. At the same time, arrangements are reportedly underway to begin negotiations for the second phase of the deal.
Israeli officials have expressed confidence that Hamas will adhere to the exchange agreement and release the four detainees tomorrow (Saturday), according to a report by the Jerusalem Post on Thursday evening.
Transfer Details
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the four female prisoners are scheduled to be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Saturday afternoon and then transferred to Israeli military forces.
The report added that Israel is also expected to receive tomorrow the complete list promised by Hamas, which includes the names of both live and deceased prisoners among the remaining 33 individuals to be released as part of the first phase.
Demonstrations in Israel
Meanwhile, hundreds of Israelis protested outside the Ministry of Defense, demanding the completion of all phases of the exchange deal to bring back the prisoners from Gaza.
The demonstration also voiced strong opposition to the recent accelerated measures taken by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who resumed efforts on what is referred to as the “judicial overhaul plan.” Critics claim this plan undermines the principle of separation of powers in Israel and weakens the judiciary.
The protesters reaffirmed their commitment to continue demonstrating until all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza are returned.
