Gaza prisoner exchange completed as Israel and Hamas swap hostages and prisoners

Hamas has released the last 20 living Israeli hostages it held in Gaza. As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel has also begun the process of releasing 1,966 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.

The released hostages, all of whom are men, were transferred to hospitals in Israel to reunite with their families and undergo medical examinations.

The Israeli army confirmed that the hostages were handed over in two groups, first of seven and then of 13.

As part of the exchange, the bodies of 28 hostages believed to be deceased are also expected to be returned at a later stage, but a specific timeline has not yet been announced.

Trump: We gave Hamas temporary approval

US President Donald Trump, en route to attend the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, answered questions from reporters on his plane.

Trump was asked about reports that Hamas is rearming and has declared itself a police force in Palestine.

Trump stated that they had approved Hamas taking on a temporary security role in Gaza, saying, “They are there because they want the problems to end, and they have stated this clearly. We have given them approval for a period of time.”

Noting that the killing of over 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza has created a strong desire for revenge, Trump commented on Hamas’s role:

“We are having them watch over [Gaza] to prevent major crimes and some of the problems encountered in such completely destroyed areas. Approximately 2 million people will return to destroyed places, and a lot of bad things can happen. Therefore, we want it to be safe. I don’t think there will be a problem. No one can be certain, but I don’t think there will be a problem.”

1,966 Palestinian prisoners are being released

Israel is releasing a total of 1,966 Palestinian prisoners as part of the agreement. Buses carrying the prisoners have begun to depart from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank and from Nakab Prison. Some of the buses have reportedly reached Ramallah.

Among those released are 250 Palestinians who had been sentenced to life imprisonment by Israel.

It was stated that more than 150 of these individuals will be exiled, with 88 being sent to the West Bank and eight to Gaza.

Reports from the region also indicate that Palestinians and journalists waiting for the prisoners’ release in front of Ofer Prison were targeted by Israeli forces with tear gas and bullets.