The prisoners will be released in the coming days while Hamas hands over the bodies of four Israeli captives.
Hamas confirmed on Wednesday that Israel will release more Palestinian women and children from its prisons on Thursday, with the group simultaneously handing over the bodies of the four Israeli captives.
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, stated that the exchange is expected to take place on Thursday under Egypt’s supervision to ensure that both sides fulfill their commitments.
Hamas accused Israel of “sabotaging” the Gaza truce by delaying the release of the 620 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday. Israel justified the delay due to concerns over the large public gatherings during which the Israelis were freed, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the process as “humiliating ceremonies”.
The current agreement would complete both sides’ obligations under the first phase of the ceasefire, where Hamas is returning 33 captives, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Washington’s Middle East envoy stated that talks for a second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal are making progress. Israel is sending a team for negotiations with the Egyptians and Qataris, either in Doha or Cairo.
Talks for the second phase were supposed to begin weeks ago but have been delayed. Abu Azzoum mentioned that there are indications that Israel may seek an extension of the first phase rather than engage in negotiations on the second phase.
The Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic border area between Gaza and Egypt, remains a point of contention. Israel is expected to withdraw from this area on Saturday as part of the first phase, which will be a test of the agreement’s strength.
