A significant phase of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel is set to begin on Sunday, January 19. As part of this initial stage, the highly anticipated prisoner exchange will occur at 4:00 PM local time. This agreement marks a crucial development in the ongoing conflict, following weeks of intense negotiations.

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Despite delays in Israeli Cabinet discussions over the terms of the deal, which initially held up final approval, sources close to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have confirmed that the exchange will proceed as planned. The ceasefire is expected to go into effect at 12:15 PM local time on Sunday, with both sides finalizing their commitments.

Details of the Swap

Under the terms of the agreement, the prisoner swap will follow a specific exchange ratio: for every Israeli hostage released, 30 Palestinian prisoners—particularly women and minors—will be freed from Israeli jails. Additionally, for each Israeli soldier released, 30 Palestinians serving life sentences will be set free, along with 20 others who still have lengthy sentences to serve.

The swap will also include 47 Palestinians previously freed in a 2011 exchange, only to be re-arrested by Israeli forces. Notably, these individuals will not face re-arrest for the same charges, and they will not be required to sign any additional agreements as a condition of their release.

Israeli media reported that 110 long-serving Palestinian prisoners will be freed in exchange for nine Israeli civilians, including the sick and injured. Moreover, 1,000 Palestinians arrested after October 7, 2023, and not involved in direct combat, will also be released. This includes 290 Palestinians sentenced to long-term imprisonment and 600 others serving sentences of over 15 years.

Other Key Provisions of the Agreement

In addition to the prisoner swap, the deal stipulates a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor, the area between Gaza and Egypt, within 50 days of the agreement’s implementation. A security zone will be established between Gaza and Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, spanning 700 meters in most areas, and up to 1.1 kilometers in five key zones.

Hamas has confirmed it will release the names of the Palestinian prisoners to be freed in stages through the Prisoners’ Office. Early Friday reports also indicated that mediators successfully resolved obstacles preventing the agreement’s full implementation, particularly concerning Israeli non-compliance.

This agreement, which also entails the cessation of hostilities and partial troop withdrawals, represents a rare moment of cooperation between the two sides after weeks of intense fighting and diplomatic negotiations.

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