Resistance to Release Three Israeli Prisoners, Including One American, in Swap Deal
Gaza (Quds News Network)- The military wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the release of three Israeli prisoners on Saturday. Spokesman Abu Ubaida named them as Sasha Alexander Turbov, Sagi Dekel Han, and Yair Horn.
Earlier, the Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, Saraya Al-Quds, confirmed the release of Israeli-Russian prisoner Alexander Turbov as part of the sixth phase of the ongoing exchange deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the list of prisoners sent by Hamas was “acceptable.” Israeli authorities have started informing families about the upcoming release, according to Walla News. Military censorship also allowed Israeli media to publish the names of those set for release.
Tensions had risen ahead of this phase of the deal. Delays emerged after Israel refused to implement certain humanitarian provisions of the ceasefire agreement. Axios reported that Israeli officials now expect the exchange process to be postponed to next week. However, Israel had anticipated receiving the final list of prisoners from Hamas through mediators on Friday afternoon.
Despite earlier obstacles mediators confirmed all parties remain committed to fulfilling the ceasefire terms, including the humanitarian protocol. On Friday, mobile homes and heavy equipment were allowed into Gaza for the first time since the ceasefire began. Israeli sources confirmed that aid trucks would enter Gaza from an Israeli crossing after approval. Photos showed trucks loaded with temporary housing units and debris-clearing cranes waiting on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border.
Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire and the scheduled prisoner exchange. The group held talks with mediators to discuss the agreement’s implementation and Israel’s violations. Hamas leaders also met Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad in Cairo and spoke by phone with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The ceasefire agreement, which took effect on January 19, includes a 42-day first phase.
The prisoners set for release include Israeli reserve soldiers classified under humanitarian and medical conditions.
In return for the Israeli prisoners, Israel will release 36 Palestinian detainees serving life sentences and 333 Palestinian detainees from Gaza, according to the Detainees’ Media Office.
