Feb 18, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Israel and Hamas agree to expedite hostage and prisoner release in Gaza deal

Barak Ravid

Hundreds of Israelis gather to demonstrate demanding the continuation of the swap deal between Hamas and Israel and the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza in West Jerusalem on February 17, 2025. — Hundreds of Israelis gather to demonstrate demanding the continuation of the swap deal between Hamas and Israel and the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza in West Jerusalem on Feb. 17, 2025. Photo: Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images

Israel and Hamas reached an agreement with Qatari and Egyptian mediators to expedite the release of six living hostages as part of the first phase of the hostage and ceasefire in Gaza deal, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and a statement from Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya.

Why it matters: Three Israeli hostages will now be released one week earlier than expected. The move suggests both Hamas and Israel are concerned the ceasefire agreement will collapse before day 42 of the agreement at the end of next week and want to be sure they get what they consider the most important parts of the agreement.

The expedition of the release of the hostages is also an achievement for the Trump administration, which pushed the parties to agree.

Behind the scenes: Two Israeli officials said the new agreement to expedite the release of the hostages was first raised by Hamas last week.

The officials said Hamas in return would secure the release of 47 senior Hamas members who were released in a prisoner exchange deal with Israel in 2011 but were later arrested again by Israel.
"Hamas feared that the agreement will not last until day 42 when these 47 prisoners were supposed to be release, because Israel will blow it up," an Israeli official said.

Driving the news: Among the three hostages whose release will be expedited are Avera Menegistu and Hisham al-Sayed, two Israelis who have been held by Hamas for more than a decade.

In return for the expedited release, Israel will release more than 100 Palestinian prisoners, including the 47 prisoners previously released.
In addition, Israel will allow heavy machinery into Gaza for clearing rubble and allow the entry of at least 300 mobile homes into the enclave.

Hamas is expected to return to Israel on Thursday the bodies of four Israeli hostages it has been holding.

The bodies of four other hostages will be returned to Israel next Thursday, which will be day 40 of the ceasefire.
In return, Israel will release in two rounds all women and minors it has arrested in Gaza since Oct. 8 who weren't involved in fighting.

What to watch: The Israeli security cabinet on Monday discussed the Israeli position regarding the second phase of the hostage and ceasefire deal.

Less than two weeks before the end of the first phase of the agreement, no serious negotiations have taken place between Israel and Hamas about the second phase. Under the agreement, negotiations for the next phase were to begin three weeks ago.
Al-Hayya said on Tuesday that Hamas is ready to immediately begin negotiations over phase two of the deal.

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Israel and Hamas agree to expedite hostage and prisoner release in Gaza deal

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