19th January 2025 – (Cairo) Egypt announced on Saturday that Israel will release over 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) freeing 33 Israeli detainees. This agreement, facilitated by Egyptian mediation alongside regional and international partners, is set to begin at 8.30am local time (0630 GMT) on Sunday.
The first phase of the ceasefire will last for 42 days, during which Hamas is expected to release the Israeli detainees in return for the substantial release of Palestinian prisoners, as confirmed by the Egyptian foreign ministry. The mediators have expressed their commitment to ensuring the agreement’s full and timely implementation throughout its three stages.
Egypt has expressed optimism that this ceasefire could pave the way for alleviating the hardships faced by the Palestinian people. The country has called on the international community, particularly the United States, to support the agreement and work towards establishing a permanent ceasefire. Additionally, Egypt has urged for the provision of essential humanitarian assistance and the formulation of an urgent reconstruction plan for Gaza.
The Egyptian statement underscored the need for a roadmap to rebuild trust between Israel and Hamas, with the aim of returning to negotiations that address the Palestinian cause within the framework of a two-state solution. This solution envisions an independent Palestinian state based on the borders established prior to the 1967 conflict, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital.
In collaboration with Qatar and the United States, Egypt will establish a joint operations room in Egypt to oversee the exchange of detainees and prisoners, monitor the entry of humanitarian aid, and facilitate the movement of people following the reopening of the Rafah crossing.
Since the onset of hostilities on 7th October 2023, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza and unprecedented destruction, following a surprise attack by Hamas that led to significant casualties and hostage-taking in Israel.
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