The Gaza-based Palestinian radical group Hamas intends to release three female Israeli hostages on January 19 within the framework of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, Al Araby said, APA reports.
The TV channel noted that their names will be announced in the near future. According to previous agreements, Israel will release 95 Palestinian prisoners in the swap.
Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari said that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will come into force at 8:30 a.m. local time (6:30 a.m. GMT) on January 19.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani announced on January 15 that through mediation efforts by Doha, Cairo, and Washington, Israel and Hamas agreed on the release of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire. The agreement will take effect on Sunday, January 19.
During the initial 42-day phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli military and civilian female hostages, as well as wounded civilians, children, and the elderly, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Additionally, Israel will withdraw its forces at least 700 meters away from the Gaza border, the Al Jazeera TV channel reported, citing a source. In the first phase of the deal, both parties plan to negotiate the terms of subsequent phases, including the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
