First Phase of Gaza Ceasefire: 7 Israeli Prisoners Released, 2,000 Palestinian Prisoners on the Way to Freedom

International Desk | PNN:

As part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Hamas has handed over seven Israeli prisoners to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The prisoner exchange process was completed on Monday (October 13) afternoon, spreading waves of joy across Israel.

The Israeli military confirmed that the released prisoners include Matan Angrest, Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Aitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa Dalal. After their return to Israel, the prisoners will undergo initial health checks under the supervision of military and intelligence officials.

According to the agreement, Hamas will release a total of 20 living Israelis, in exchange for which Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were detained without charges. Palestinian sources report that the prisoners awaiting release have already been transferred by bus from various Israeli jails.

Health checks and preparations for reunification are underway at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. Outside the hospital, thousands of people have gathered, waiting for their relatives to return.

In a television address on Sunday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Tomorrow, our children will come home – this is a moment of unity for our nation." He added, "This marks the beginning of a new path – a path of reconstruction, healing, and unity."

However, many families of prisoners have criticized Netanyahu’s leadership, claiming he prolonged the war for political gain. On Saturday, when U.S. envoy Steve Wittkoff praised Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, many joined in protests.

In coordination with the exchange, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel. He is the main mediator in the Gaza ceasefire and will chair a peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, later this week.

Trump is accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Before the trip, Trump said, "This is a special time – everyone is excited."

According to Al Jazeera, "This is essentially Trump's diplomatic showcase." He will meet with families of prisoners in Israel, deliver a speech at the Knesset, and the following day meet with leaders from over 20 countries in Egypt.

The Gaza peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh will be attended by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, among many other world leaders.

However, Iran has refused to participate due to recent U.S. attacks.

Egypt has stated that a joint document could be signed at the summit declaring "the end of the Gaza war."

The second phase of the agreement will include the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of a new administration in Gaza, and a reconstruction plan. The U.S. has stated, "Although the war may end, the real reconstruction will be the most difficult task."

Ibrahim al-Khalili, a journalist from Gaza, said, "People are now returning to the rubble – they have no homes, no schools, no government – only destruction."

Currently, limited humanitarian aid is entering Gaza, but it is insufficient to meet the massive demand. There is still a severe shortage of food, medicine, tents, solar power, and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, the successful implementation of the prisoner exchange could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Middle East peace process, although the road ahead remains long and uncertain.