Hamas Estimates More Than 2,000 Palestinians To Be Released From Israeli Prisons

JAKARTA - About 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 who serve life sentences, are expected to be released from Israeli prison under a deal reached between Hamas and Israel, said a representative led by the Palestinian militant group.

The Hamas and Israeli groups agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. when indirect negotiations both sides resumed since Monday.

"In the first phase of the deal, a group of 20 hostages will be released. In return, the occupation authority (Israel) will release more than 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 people serving a life sentence," the representative said.

He explained that the group of detainees also included "1.700 people imprisoned after the outbreak of the war in Gaza" in October 2023.

Furthermore, Hamas representatives also said that at least 400 trucks containing humanitarian assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip would enter the enclave every day in the first five days after the deal ended.

Later, the number of vehicles that send humanitarian aid to the enclave will be increased.

In addition, in the first phase of the agreement, "refugees from the southern part of the Gaza Strip to the city of Gaza and the northern region of the enclave" will begin to be repatriated.

A representative led by the militant group added, "a negotiations regarding the implementation of the second phase of the plan proposed by (US President Donald) Trump will begin as soon as the first phase of implementation."

Earlier, President Trump on Wednesday said Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the first phase of the peace plan in negotiations in Egypt.

According to him, this stage involves the release of all "soon" hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the agreed line within the Gaza Strip. According to President Trump, the first step has been taken towards lasting, reliable, and lasting peace.

On September 29, the White House released President Trump's "comprehensive plan" aimed at resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The 20-point document, in particular, regulates the implementation of temporary external control in the Palestinian enclave and the deployment of international stabilization troops there.

Israel approved the plan, while Hamas said it was ready to release all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and hand over their bodies.