Egypt Daily News – An informed Egyptian source stated that mediators are nearing an agreement to release all Palestinian prisoners who were scheduled to be freed this week, in conjunction with the handover of the bodies of four Israeli detainees, under Cairo’s supervision.
Mediators between Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement stipulating that all Palestinian prisoners who were supposed to be released last week will be freed in exchange for the Palestinian movement handing over the bodies of four Israeli detainees to Tel Aviv, under Egyptian supervision. Meanwhile, Washington hinted at the imminent resumption of talks regarding a second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Axios website quoted a senior Israeli official as saying that Egypt confirmed an agreement had been reached to resolve the hostage deal crisis. Hamas will transfer the bodies of four Israeli hostages through the Red Cross from Khan Yunis to Kerem Shalom, without any ceremonies.
President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced on Tuesday that an Israeli delegation had departed to participate in negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, affirming his readiness to personally take part in the talks if necessary.
The U.S. envoy emphasized that these new discussions aim to “move forward with the second phase and secure the release of more hostages.” The negotiations have not yet begun, raising concerns about a possible resumption of hostilities once the first phase of the truce ends. The truce, which took effect on January 19, is set to expire on Saturday, March 1.
Hamas confirmed the agreement, stating that it falls within the framework of the first phase of the ongoing truce between the group and Israel in the Gaza Strip.
