Israel Begins Preparations to Implement Prisoner Exchange Agreement with Hamas
The Israeli army announced on Thursday that it has begun preparations to implement the prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas, as part of understandings brokered by the United States to enforce a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the army said its forces are conducting field preparations and logistical procedures in anticipation of moving to new deployment lines. It clarified that these steps are based on directives from the political leadership and ongoing situation assessments.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will hold a cabinet meeting to approve the agreement, while Hamas stated that the release of living Israeli prisoners will occur within 72 hours of the official ratification of the deal.
Earlier today, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed the first phase of a Washington-led peace plan, which includes a ceasefire, prisoner release, and Israeli troop withdrawals from areas inside the Gaza Strip.
