Israel, Hamas have yet to finalize details of 2nd phase of hostage-prisoner swap

Israel and Hamas have yet to finalize the details of the hostage-prisoner swap for the 2nd phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, according to Palestinian sources on Thursday.

Israel and Hamas on Wednesday agreed on the Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal after intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The agreement includes an initial 42-day phase, during which more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza will halt, and hostages held in Gaza will be released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

It is reported that the ceasefire agreement will be implemented in three phases. Palestinian officials said that the two sides have only reached consensus on the detainee exchange for the first phase.

"The first phase will prioritize the release of at least 85 Palestinian women and girls imprisoned by Israel, including girls from the Gaza Strip. In addition, about 320 minors under the age of 18 are also under discussion. The most important is the release of the Palestinian prisoners with long term sentences and life sentences, which involves about 580 people who have been detained for at least 20 to 25 years," said Abdullah Al-Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoner's Society.

Relevant Palestinian sources said that Israel and Hamas have only confirmed the list of the prisoners set for release during the first phase of the ceasefire, while the details of the hostage-prisoner swap and the specific implementation of the second phase still need to be further negotiated.

"The second phase of the ceasefire is expected to see Israel release thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli soldiers and officers detained in the Gaza Strip since October 7[2023]. So, there is no detailed list and clarification yet, but discussions have focused on the importance of the release of our prisoners serving long or life sentences in Israel, as well as children, women and the sick," said Amin Shoman, head of the High Committee on Palestinian Prisoners' Affairs.

Following the Israeli government's approval of the ceasefire agreement on Saturday, the Justice Ministry announced the names of 737 prisoners and detainees set to be freed during the first phase in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

The Gaza ceasefire deal will take effect on Sunday at 08:30 local time (0630 GMT).

Israel, Hamas have yet to finalize details of 2nd phase of hostage-prisoner swap

The inaugural maritime film festival kicked off on board China's first domestically built large cruise ship Adora Magic City on Sunday, with classic movie screenings, exhibitions of cinematic memorabilia and interactive activities together creating a special journey for travelers.

Jointly presented by Adora Cruises and Changchun Film Group, guests are treated with movie screenings, panel sessions with actors, as well as interactive performances themed on classic movies during a five-day voyage.

The themed cruise season will run until the end of June on three cruise ships.

"Through the in-depth expansion of the 'film plus' model, we combine resources across sectors to explore new pathways for the integrated development of the film and television industry and the cruise economy," said Zhuang Yan, chairman of Changchun Film Group, at the opening event.

Actor Hou Yong, who is on the maiden voyage of the film-themed cruise season, said he was looking forward to having interactive experiences with audiences.

"During this journey, I also look forward to those chances of encounters -- with film audiences, with film enthusiasts. As an actor, I feel I have the obligation, the capability, and the responsibility to pass on my understanding of Chinese cinema to them," he said.

Adora Magic City, 323.6 meters long, has a gross tonnage of 135,500 tonnes and can accommodate up to 5,246 passengers in 2,125 guest rooms.

First maritime film festival launched on China's homegrown cruise ship