Israeli authorities have begun transferring hundreds of prisoners to designated facilities in preparation for their release under the terms of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Israel Prison Service confirmed on Saturday.
The operation, which involved thousands of personnel working overnight, is part of a broader framework aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. โThousands of staff, including prison officers, operated throughout the night in order to implement the governmentโs decision: โThe framework for the release of all Israeli hostagesโ,โ the prison service said in a statement.
Under the terms of the truce, Israel is expected to release 250 prisoners, including individuals serving life sentences for deadly attacks. In return, Hamas is required to release the remaining 48 Israeli hostagesโboth living and deceasedโby Monday.
Additionally, the agreement includes the release of approximately 1,700 Palestinians detained by Israeli forces during military operations in Gaza over the past two years, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks.
The 250 prisoners are being relocated to Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank and Ketziot Prison in southern Israelโs Negev desert, near the Egyptian border. They will remain in custody at these facilities pending further decisions from Israeli leadership regarding the continuation of the exchange process.
The ceasefire arrangement marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate humanitarian relief in the region.
