The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has confirmed the release of six Israeli prisoners scheduled for Saturday, marking the first phase of a recently brokered ceasefire agreement. The individuals set to be freed include Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem-Tov, Omer Wenkert, Tal Shoham, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed.  

In exchange, over 600 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released, many of whom have endured years of incarceration under Israeli detention. Among them are approximately 50 individuals serving life sentences and 60 others with lengthy prison terms. Notably, 47 of these detainees had previously been freed in the 2011 "Wafa al-Ahrar" prisoner swap but were rearrested by Israeli forces, highlighting the ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians under occupation.  

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions, as Hamas also handed over the bodies of four Israelis killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. However, the Israeli army has disputed the identity of one body, claiming it does not belong to Shiri Bibas, a prisoner whose remains Hamas says were likely mixed with others due to Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza. This tragic incident underscores the devastating impact of Israel’s military aggression on Palestinian civilians and infrastructure.  

This prisoner exchange represents a small step toward addressing the plight of thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, many without trial or due process. Yet, it occurs against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing genocidal war on Gaza, which has claimed over 48,300 Palestinian lives since October 2023. As usual, the cycle of violence and oppression persists, with Israel’s actions continuing to undermine any prospects for lasting peace or justice.