Synopsis
On January 19, Israeli officials began the transfer of Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison in the West Bank, preparing for their imminent release as part of a ceasefire deal. The Red Cross is involved in the handover of hostages, with significant numbers of detainees expected to be freed.Key Takeaways
- Israeli authorities transfer Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison.
- Release of around 90 Palestinians, including women and minors.
- First three Israeli hostages to be handed to the Red Cross.
- Medical examinations will be conducted prior to release.
- Ceasefire deal includes significant prisoner exchanges.
Tel Aviv, Jan 19 (NationPress) Israeli officials initiated the transfer of Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison situated in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, with their release anticipated later that evening, as reported by Israel's state media.
As per the state-owned Kan TV, this action coincided with the Red Cross heading to a designated location to meet with Hamas forces, where the initial three Israeli hostages would be handed over to the international organization prior to their repatriation to Israel, according to the Xinhua news agency.
An Israeli government representative informed Xinhua that approximately 90 Palestinians are slated for release, comprising 78 from the West Bank and 12 from East Jerusalem.
The majority of the detainees are women and minors.
Hamas indicated that Israel was set to publish the names of the detainees; however, as of 3:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), roughly four hours into the ceasefire, these names had yet to be revealed, according to Israeli officials.
Prior to their release, the detainees will undergo medical assessments and identification protocols at Ofer Prison, as stated by Kan.
The detainees will be transferred to the Red Cross once Hamas delivers three Israeli women hostages to the organization in Gaza.
According to the initial phase of the agreement, a total of 33 hostages are anticipated to be released by Hamas, while Israel will free between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners.
