Fourth Prisoner Exchange Begins in Gaza

gaza strip - Red Cross officials arrive as Hamas and Israel begin fourth prisoner exchange in Gaza Strip.

Red Cross Officials Arrive for Fourth Prisoner Exchange

As part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the fourth prisoner exchange has commenced in Gaza. The Red Cross officials have arrived at the exchange point amidst the rubble and devastation in Gaza. Hamas is set to release 3 prisoners in exchange for 183 Palestinians from Israeli prisons. In the city of Han Yunus in the Gaza Strip, vehicles belonging to the International Red Cross Committee have reached the exchange point.

Hamas is preparing for the release of the prisoners as Palestinian citizens in Gaza gather at the exchange point with flags in hand. Hamas has handed over two Israelis to the Red Cross in Han Yunus, with the third prisoner expected to be handed over to officials shortly.

The Palestinian Prisoners Society stated that the Israeli army has been distributing warnings to families of released Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank and Jerusalem, advising against any celebratory events before or after their release. The warnings include threats, arrests, and vandalism towards the families of the prisoners.

The Israeli army reported that armed individuals fired at Israeli forces in the buffer zone, leading to a response from the Israeli side. No injuries were reported among the Israeli soldiers involved in the incident.

According to the Hamas Prisoners Media Office, the group of Palestinian prisoners set to be released on February 1st consists of individuals serving life sentences, those with severe prison terms, and individuals detained in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The planned release includes individuals from various political movements.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army conducted multiple house raids in the Tulkerim Refugee Camp after days of intense attacks, resulting in explosions and smoke rising from the camp.