On 1st February, Hamas released three Israeli captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners. Two detainees were freed in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, and the third in Gaza City. The Israeli army confirmed their transfer into Israeli custody.

During the exchange, Hamas fighters held photos of commanders martyred in Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza. A captured Israeli assault rifle was also displayed.

This handover is part of a larger deal where Hamas has released 18 Israeli prisoners for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors. Israel’s release of 183 Palestinians follows this agreement. The Rafah border crossing, crucial for humanitarian aid, is expected to reopen soon as part of the ceasefire.

Israel has also freed 110 prisoners, including Zakaria Zubeidi, welcomed as a hero in Ramallah. The release of 33 detainees from Gaza is expected within the truce's first six weeks.