After nearly seven weeks of conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement that would involve the return of 150 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails in exchange for at least 50 women and children held in Gaza. This four-day pause in fighting has given hope to many families. The release of the first hostages was initially expected to happen on Thursday, but the Israel National Security Council announced that no hostages would be released before Friday.
The reasons behind the delay are still unknown, but an Israeli official familiar with the matter downplayed its seriousness, citing “fairly minor implementation details.” The deal also includes the entrance of hundreds of trucks carrying aid relief, medical supplies, and fuel to parts of the besieged territory.
The list of Palestinian prisoners for possible release includes details about their ages and the charges on which they are being held – from throwing rocks to accusations of attempted murder. Most of the prisoners listed as eligible for release are male teenagers aged 16 to 18.
The families of prisoners have been maintaining a connection using a radio station in the West Bank city of Ramallah. They send voice notes to radio presenter Murad Abu Al Saba, who then broadcasts them on Radio Ajyal. The families have no way of knowing if the prisoners hear their messages, but that hasn’t stopped them from sending them. “She has a beautiful relationship with them, she loves everybody,” one woman prays for the release of her husband and sister-in-law.
Hamas is holding 236 hostages in Gaza, including foreign nationals from 26 countries. The abductions took place on October 7, when Hamas militants launched their attack on Israel. An Israeli soldier who was abducted by Hamas was rescued by Israeli forces, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. While the first phase of the deal would include the release of 150 prisoners in four stages over four days, the Israeli Cabinet Secretariat said more Palestinians could potentially be released from the list of 300 detainees.
