The Israeli prison service announced on Monday the release of nearly 2,000 detainees, primarily Palestinians, as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. In a statement, the service confirmed that 1,968 individuals described as “terrorists” were moved from multiple prisons to Ofer and Ktziot facilities, before being released to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza.
“After the conclusion of the necessary activities in the prisons and the approval of political authorities, all the terrorists were released,” the statement said, marking one of the largest single-day prisoner releases in years.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed that Hamas handed over the bodies of two deceased Israeli hostages to the Red Cross on Monday, with the remains of two more expected to follow. The transfer is being coordinated via international humanitarian channels in Gaza.
“According to information provided by the Red Cross, two coffins of deceased hostages have been transferred… and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces,” the military said, adding that another transfer of two additional coffins would follow shortly.
The developments come amid a fragile ceasefire following two years of devastating war, raising hopes but also sparking renewed tensions over compliance with the terms of the agreement.
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