Sat Jan 18 18:26:21 UTC 2025: ## Ceasefire Deal to Free 100 Israeli Captives Held in Gaza

**GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM** – A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has paved the way for the release of approximately 100 Israeli captives held in Gaza since the October 7th conflict. The long-awaited deal, brokered with Egyptian mediation, marks a significant turning point in the conflict, which has claimed over 46,800 Palestinian lives.

The release will be phased over several weeks. The first phase, commencing Sunday, will see 33 captives – including ill, wounded, female soldiers, and men over 50 – freed in exchange for 1,890 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israel will initially release 95 Palestinian women and children. Subsequent phases will see the release of the remaining Israeli captives, mostly male soldiers, contingent upon further prisoner exchanges with Hamas. While the identities of those released in the first phase are yet to be officially published, uncertainty remains about the fate of some captives, with Hamas reporting casualties among its prisoners due to Israeli strikes. Videos showing messages from some captives have, however, been released.

The issue of the captives has deeply divided Israeli society, with some criticizing the government’s handling of negotiations. The far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who opposed the deal, is expected to resign following its implementation. His opposition reflected a prioritization of completely defeating Hamas and expanding settlements in Gaza over securing the release of captives.

Despite this political tension, the return of the captives remains a paramount concern for many Israelis. Public demonstrations have called for their immediate release, and a Tel Aviv plaza has been renamed “Hostages Square” to reflect this sentiment. The families of the captives have vowed to ensure the complete implementation of the deal. The captives, including some dual nationals from the US, Argentina, and Germany, are expected to receive medical attention upon their release, with concerns about potential health issues arising from their prolonged confinement. While some captives were already freed in November, the majority remain held in Gaza.

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