Tel aviv: Israeli authorities transferred Palestinian prisoners to two detention facilities ahead of their planned release under a Gaza ceasefire agreement, local media reported. Israel's public broadcaster KAN noted that prisoners slated for release to Gaza or deportation through the Rafah border crossing were moved to Ketziot Prison in the Negev in southern Israel. Those expected to be released from the occupied West Bank were taken to Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli Prison Service confirmed the completion of the transfer of Palestinian prisoners to the designated facilities. Daily Yedioth Ahronoth, referencing the prison service, reported that thousands of prison police officers participated in the operation, transporting prisoners in numerous convoys under stringent security measures. Local media indicated that the releases are expected to commence on Monday once Israel secures the return of its captives held by Hamas.
Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained in Gaza since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, will be released in exchange for 48 Israeli hostages. On Friday, Israel's Justice Ministry published the names of the 250 prisoners serving life terms for the exchange. However, the Palestinian Prisoners' Media Office, linked to Hamas, denied reaching an agreement on the lists of prisoners for the exchange.
Tel Aviv estimates that 48 Israelis are being held in Gaza, with 20 still alive, while over 11,100 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel under conditions that have been reported by Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups and media as involving torture, starvation, and medical neglect. These conditions have reportedly led to deaths.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement began at midday Friday, with Israeli forces completing a gradual withdrawal to the so-called yellow line, initiating a 72-hour window for the exchange process. The second phase of the plan reportedly includes establishing a new governing mechanism in Gaza without Hamas, forming a joint security force of Palestinians and troops from Arab and Islamic countries, and disarming Hamas.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of almost 67,700 Palestinians, primarily women and children, rendering the enclave largely uninhabitable.