Hamas and Israel are scheduled to conduct the next exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners on Saturday.
The three Israeli captives are: Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel, who also holds US citizenship, and Ofer Kalderon, who also has French nationality.
Israel will then release 183 Palestinian prisoners from its jails, including 18 who are serving life sentences, 54 who are serving lengthy sentences, and 111 who were detained in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
This will be the second exchange this week, and the fourth in total so far, of captives in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
Following Saturday’s exchange, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to reopen and 50 Palestinians requiring medical treatment will be allowed to leave Gaza for care in hospitals abroad.
During the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire deal, a total of 33 captives are due to be freed in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire deal are scheduled to begin on Monday, according to a timeline provided by Israel.
The second phase will address the release of remaining captives and a permanent end to the war on Gaza.
Source: Al Jazeera
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
