Egypt is actively involved in mediating a potential prisoner exchange deal between Israel and the Hamas movement, following a recent surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, during which a significant number of Israelis were captured.
Egyptian efforts primarily focus on securing the release of Palestinian women and children in exchange for Hamas freeing Israeli women captured during the “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm” launched by the group.
However, one crucial condition of the exchange is that these women should not be members of the Israeli military. Hamas’ military wing had captured a substantial number of Israelis, including an unspecified number of women, during the surprise attack on settlements near the Gaza Strip.
As of now, Egypt has not received a final response from both sides regarding the completion of the deal. The proposed agreement includes a temporary ceasefire until the exchange process is finalized, as well as a mechanism for the handover. According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, there are currently 39 Palestinian women prisoners held in Israeli jails.
On Sunday, the Israeli military disclosed the names of the officers and leaders from its brigades who have been killed by Palestinian factions in settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip. This dramatic escalation amid the protracted conflict between Israel and Palestine has set a new stage for discussions on peace, war, and international relations in the region.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) radio announced, “Permission for publication granted… Among the military casualties in the Gaza envelope: Nahal Brigade Commander, Communications Battalion Commander, Deputy Commander of Maglan Unit, Company Commander, and Platoon Commander in the Home Front Command.”
Further, Channel 13 also reported, “The Israeli military discloses names of 26 soldiers and officers killed by Palestinian resistance around the Gaza envelope.”
In an audacious operation on Saturday, hundreds of members from Palestinian factions infiltrated adjoining settlements and towns in the occupied Palestinian territories, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of soldiers and settlers, as well as the capture of dozens.