On January 19, 2025, Israel and Hamas initiated a ceasefire agreement aimed at facilitating the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The agreement outlines a phased approach to these exchanges, with specific timelines and conditions for each stage. Below is a detailed chronology of the events as they have unfolded.
Parents of female soldiers see them for the first time in IDF custody | Photo: IDF Spokesperson
Phase 1: Initial Hostage Releases and Prisoner Exchanges
- Commencement of the Agreement (January 19, 2025)
- The ceasefire and exchange process began, set to span 42 days.
- First Release (January 19, 2025)
- Hostages Released: Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, and Romi Gonen.
- Prisoners Released: A corresponding number of Palestinian detainees, as per the agreement’s terms.
- Second Release (January 25, 2025)
- Hostages Released: IDF observers Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag.
- Prisoners Released: An additional group of Palestinian prisoners.
- Additional Release (January 30, 2025)
- Hostages Released: Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Gadi Moses.
- Additional Releases: Five Thai nationals were also freed, though not as part of the primary agreement.
- Subsequent Scheduled Releases
- February 1, 2025: Jordan Bibas, Ofer Calderon, and Keith Segal.
- February 8, 2025: Three additional hostages.
- February 15, 2025: Three additional hostages.
- February 22, 2025: Three additional hostages.
- By March 8, 2025: Avera Mengistu, Hisham al-Sayed, and the remaining nine hostages.
Details of the Exchange
- Total Hostages to be Released: 33 individuals, including children, women, female soldiers, individuals over 50, and men who are ill or injured.
- Deceased Hostages: Eight hostages have been confirmed deceased; their remains are to be transferred on the final day of the exchange.
- Prisoners to be Released by Israel:
- Total: 737 security prisoners and 1,167 residents of the Gaza Strip detained since October 7, 2024.
- Notable Prisoners: Approximately 250-300 individuals with “blood on their hands,” responsible for attacks resulting in Israeli fatalities.
- Destination: Around 200 of these individuals will be released to Gaza, Qatar, or Turkey.
- Release Criteria:
- For Women and Children Hostages: 30 security prisoners who are minors or women will be released per hostage.
- For Men Over 50: 30 elderly or ill security prisoners will be released per hostage.
- For Ill or Injured Male Hostages Under 50: 110 security prisoners will be released per hostage.
- For Female Soldier Hostages: 50 security prisoners will be released per hostage.
- For Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed: 30 security prisoners will be released for each, plus 47 previously released under the Gilad Shalit deal.
- For Deceased Hostages: All detained Gazan women and children not involved in the October 7 events will be released proportionally.
Zbeidi. Responsible for dozens of terrorist attacks during the Second Intifada, escaped from Gilboa Prison.
Additional Provisions
- Humanitarian Aid: An increase to 600 aid trucks per day entering Gaza.
- Military Movements:
- The IDF delayed withdrawal from the Nitzanim route by one day due to Hamas not releasing Arbel Yehud as scheduled.
- A Qatari-Egyptian inspection force will monitor vehicles entering northern Gaza.
- The IDF has largely withdrawn from the Philadelphi Route, maintaining a minimal presence.
Conclusion
The Israel-Hamas hostage exchange agreement is a complex, multi-phase process with specific timelines and conditions. While significant progress has been made, the situation remains fluid, and adherence to the agreement by both parties is crucial for its successful implementation.
Note: This summary is based on information available as of February 2, 2025. For the most current updates, please refer to official statements from the involved parties.
Sources: Reuter, AP