Hamas Clarifies Details of the Second Phase of the First Stage of the Prisoner Exchange Deal

The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, issued a clarification on Monday regarding the details of the second phase of the first stage of the prisoner exchange deal. This deal is part of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, which came into effect yesterday, Sunday.

Nahed Al-Fakhouri, the media officer at the Martyrs, Wounded, and Prisoners Office in Hamas, stated that “the second phase of the first stage of the ‘Hurricane of the Free’ deal, as agreed upon between the resistance factions and the occupation, will commence next Saturday, January 25.”

In a statement released by the Prisoner Information Office, Al-Fakhouri mentioned that the resistance will submit, on the coming Saturday, the names of the Israeli prisoners to be released. In return, the occupation will present a list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed.

He explained that based on these two lists, the actual implementation will take place on Sunday, January 26, when Israeli prisoners will be handed over, and Palestinian detainees will be released.

Al-Fakhouri further clarified that “the agreement stipulates that for every female Israeli soldier, 30 prisoners serving life sentences and 20 prisoners with high sentences will be released.” He noted that if the resistance hands over four female soldiers, the total number of released Palestinian prisoners will reach 120, as agreed upon in the prearranged list.

He also cautioned that if the number of female soldiers decreases, the number of released prisoners will also decrease. Regarding deportation, he added that for now, the Arab Republic of Egypt is expected to be one of the destinations.

Earlier, Hamas emphasized that this national exchange deal was wrested from the Israeli occupation and reflects the determination of the Palestinian people and their resistance to liberate prisoners from unjust prisons. The movement reaffirmed that the prisoners are not alone, as they have the unwavering support of their people and resistance, which will never tire or retreat until the last male and female detainee is freed.

He added, “In these historic moments, we stand with immense pride before the sacrifices of our great Palestinian people, who have once again demonstrated their resilience and steadfastness against the harshest forces of tyranny. The sacrifices of our people in Gaza, their patience, and determination represent a new chapter of Palestinian glory. They have carried the trust of the homeland and faced aggression with courage and bravery, refusing submission or surrender.”