Third Gaza Prisoner Exchange: A Strategic Swap Under the Ceasefire Agreement

Watan-Amid the rubble of homes destroyed by the occupation in Jabalia Camp, northern Gaza Strip, freed prisoner Agam Berger emerged after being handed over during the third phase of the exchange process between the Palestinian resistance and Israel.

This exchange was marked by several symbolic gestures from the resistance, delivering various messages to the Israeli side. The Palestinian map and flag were prominently displayed during the event.

Despite the massive destruction and the complete absence of basic living conditions, hundreds of Palestinians gathered to witness the handover, which took place in Al-Razan Square in the heart of Jabalia Camp.

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al-Sharif, this square had been a battleground for fierce clashes between resistance factions and Israeli forces, who had attempted to forcibly displace residents and seize control of Jabalia as part of what was known as the “Generals’ Plan” during the last 100 days of the war.

The First Exchange After the Return of Displaced People

This was the first prisoner exchange to take place since the return of displaced Palestinians from the south to the north of the Gaza Strip. The event witnessed a notable and widespread presence of resistance fighters, some of whom carried Israeli Tavor rifles captured during the “Al-Aqsa Flood” battle.

In Al-Razan Square, the resistance set up a designated platform for the handover, just as it had in the previous exchange. A large banner in Hebrew was displayed, referencing the Israeli units and battalions that fought in Jabalia Camp.

Among the messages written by the resistance was: “The Resistance Defeated Givati”, referring to the elite Givati Brigade, which suffered heavy losses in both soldiers and commanders during the battles in Jabalia. The word “Kfir” was also displayed, alluding to the elite Kfir Brigade, which also endured significant blows in the area, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Elias Karam.

Karam noted that the white vehicles used by the resistance have caused shock in Israel, as they were the same ones used in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli settlements around Gaza.

On the handover platform, the Palestinian flag and map were prominently displayed, with no factional flags in sight. Alongside them, the resistance showcased a high-caliber Israeli rifle that had never been publicly revealed before—an intentional message, according to Al Jazeera’s Anas Al-Sharif.

Additionally, a large State of Palestine flag was raised atop the heavily damaged building from which Berger emerged. She held a certificate of appreciation bearing the resistance’s emblem.

Al Jazeera’s Elias Karam commented that the presence of only the Palestinian flag and map signified that this exchange was occurring between two states, rather than between an occupying state and resistance groups.

Exchange in Front of Sinwar’s Home

The handover of Israeli captives Ariel Yehud and Gadi Moses was scheduled to take place in front of the destroyed home of late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.

Israeli Channel 14 reported that one of the prisoners in this exchange batch would be released from an area in Jabalia where numerous Israeli soldiers had been killed or wounded during the war.

Resistance fighters had already begun deploying in the designated handover locations, setting up a stage similar to the previous exchange.

Al Jazeera aired footage showing an Israeli helicopter landing in the Re’im area, near Gaza, ahead of the handover, which Israel’s public broadcaster said would occur in three phases.

The Third Exchange Batch

Today, Thursday, the Israeli authorities are set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli captives held by Hamas, as part of the third phase of the prisoner exchange under the initial ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

According to the list received by Hamas, the Palestinian prisoners scheduled for release from Israeli jails include 32 serving life sentences, 48 with high sentences, and 30 children.

A total of 66 prisoners will be transferred to the West Bank, including Zakaria Zubeidi, one of the six prisoners who escaped from Gilboa Prison in the “Freedom Tunnel” operation. Additionally, 14 prisoners from Jerusalem will be freed and sent to the city, while 9 prisoners will be deported to Gaza, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Commission and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club.

The same source reported that 21 prisoners sentenced to life will be deported abroad via Egypt.