Fourth Phase of Prisoner Exchange in Gaza
Hamas to release three Israeli hostages, while Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners in the latest exchange deal.
Watan-Hamas announced on Friday that it will release three Israeli detainees on Saturday as part of the ongoing prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement in Gaza. In return, Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners in the fourth phase of the exchange process.
The military spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubaida, stated that Ofir Calderon, Keith Shmuensel Sigal, and Yarden Bibas will be freed as part of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” prisoner exchange deal. However, no further details were provided.
Israeli authorities confirmed receiving a list of three male detainees set for release but said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office would not announce the names until reviewing the list and informing their families.
One of the detainees to be released reportedly holds dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship. Steve Witkoff, a former Middle East envoy under U.S. President Donald Trump, confirmed on Thursday that an American hostage was among those set to be freed, emphasizing that “American-Israeli detainees remain a top priority.”
Israel to Release 90 Palestinian Prisoners
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Commission and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club announced on Friday that Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday as part of the fourth batch of the first phase of the exchange deal.
According to a joint statement, the list includes 81 prisoners serving long-term sentences and nine prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment.
Additionally, the authorities stated that the location for welcoming the released prisoners has been changed. Instead of the Ramallah Recreational Complex, the released detainees will now be received in the open square in front of the Ramallah Cultural Palace and near the Mahmoud Darwish Mausoleum in Ramallah.
The change comes a day after Israel temporarily suspended the third phase of Palestinian prisoner releases on Thursday following Hamas’ release of Israeli hostages. Images of the freed hostages surrounded by crowds in Gaza, including Al-Qassam Brigades and Saraya Al-Quds fighters, angered Israeli leadership.
Hamas’ Previous Hostage Release
On Thursday, Hamas released eight detainees, including:
- Arbel Yehud
- Gadi Moses
- Soldier Agam Berger
- Five Thai nationals
Berger was reportedly retrieved from the rubble of a destroyed building in Jabalia Refugee Camp following Israeli airstrikes. The rest were handed over near the home of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was assassinated by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
