More than 1,800 Palestinian prisoners have been released from Israeli jails over the past 24 hours and returned to their homes in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, according to a report broadcast on Tuesday by Israel's Chanel 12 News, citing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The 1,814 prisoners were freed as part of a prisoner-hostage swap deal included in the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This agreement stipulates the return of the last 20 surviving hostages from Gaza to Israel and the release of about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
In a related development, Hamas has informed mediators that it will hand over the remains of four Israeli hostages at around 22:00 local time on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Israeli radio reported on Tuesday that Israel has transferred 45 bodies of Palestinian detainees to the ICRC. A medical official in Gaza confirmed that the remains had arrived in the territory.
Israel has stated it will not reopen the Rafah border crossing until Hamas returns the remains of all deceased Israeli hostages. According to Israel's Channel 13 TV news, Israel will significantly reduce the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza because of Hamas's refusal to hand over the remaining Israeli bodies. Hamas has not yet responded to these claims.
All 20 surviving Israeli captives were released on Monday, along with the remains of four others. Under previously disclosed terms, Hamas is still expected to return the remains of another 24 Israeli detainees.
Israel releases more than 1,800 Palestinian prisoners under ceasefire deal
