Deal reached to swap Palestinian detainees for bodies of Israeli hostages, says source
The three-stage ceasefire, which came into effect on January 19, is nearing the end of its first phase
26 February 2025 - 10:34
byNafisa Eltahir and Jana Choukeir
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A man sits next to posters with images of hostages kidnapped in the deadly October 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 16, 2024. Picture: REUTERS/Hannah McKay
Cairo — Mediators have reached a deal to release Palestinian prisoners who were originally set to be freed by Israeli authorities last Saturday, along with the handover of Israeli hostages’ bodies by Hamas, an Egyptian source said on Wednesday.
The source, who was briefed on the matter, said the handovers would take place under Egyptian supervision but did not specify the release date.
Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades, a Gaza-based militant group allied to Hamas, said it would release the body of Israeli hostage Ohad Yahalomi on Thursday.
Yahalomi’s is one of four bodies set to be released by Hamas in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The three-stage ceasefire, which came into effect on January 19, is now nearing the end of its first phase. It has largely held despite accusations of violations by both sides.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Deal reached to swap Palestinian detainees for bodies of Israeli hostages, says source
The three-stage ceasefire, which came into effect on January 19, is nearing the end of its first phase
Cairo — Mediators have reached a deal to release Palestinian prisoners who were originally set to be freed by Israeli authorities last Saturday, along with the handover of Israeli hostages’ bodies by Hamas, an Egyptian source said on Wednesday.
The source, who was briefed on the matter, said the handovers would take place under Egyptian supervision but did not specify the release date.
Al-Nasser Salah al-Deen Brigades, a Gaza-based militant group allied to Hamas, said it would release the body of Israeli hostage Ohad Yahalomi on Thursday.
Yahalomi’s is one of four bodies set to be released by Hamas in the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The three-stage ceasefire, which came into effect on January 19, is now nearing the end of its first phase. It has largely held despite accusations of violations by both sides.
Reuters
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