Israeli security forces guard the entrance to the Ofer prison, outside of Jerusalem, from where Palestinian terror convicts will be released as part of a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, January 19, 2025. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
The fate of the remaining 59 hostages is to be determined by negotiations.
By Pesach Benson, TPS
Israel authorities released 643 imprisoned Palestinian terrorists as part of the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli Prison Service confirmed on Thursday.
Since January 19, Israel has freed 1,778 Palestinians in exchange for 33 hostages.
The completion of Wednesday night’s exchange marks the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
The fate of the remaining 59 hostages is to be determined by negotiations. Critics say the phased approach condemns them to open-ended captivity and undermines Israel’s war gains.
At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7.
Of the 59 remaining hostages, 32 are believed to be dead.
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