Israel Releases 90 Palestinian Prisoners as Ceasefire Agreement Takes Effect

The Israeli Prison Service confirmed the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Military Prison, marking the implementation of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Palestinian media reported the movement of buses carrying the released prisoners from the facility after a delay of more than seven hours following the handover of three Israeli female captives by Hamas.

The Hamas Prisoner Office stated that verification of names within Ofer Prison revealed the absence of one female prisoner from the agreed list. Efforts are underway with intermediaries and the Red Cross to hold Israeli authorities accountable for fulfilling the terms of the agreement.

Meanwhile, tensions rose as Israeli forces reportedly fired tear gas at Palestinians gathered near Ofer Prison, according to Walaa Al-Salameen, a reporter for Cairo News.

The ceasefire agreement, effective from 11 a.m. on Sunday, includes a 42-day initial phase. Alongside the release of prisoners, the agreement facilitated the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hundreds of trucks carrying Egyptian medical supplies, fuel, and essential goods entered the Strip to address acute shortages in electricity and water services.