Palestinian prisoners and Gaza hostages: preparations for the final exchange

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Israel is preparing for what is expected to be the final prisoner exchange with Hamas, involving the release of Palestinian detainees in return for the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

With the planned release of twenty Israeli hostages next Monday, the exchange operations will be suspended indefinitely.

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Palestinian sources said on Saturday that Israeli authorities have begun gathering Palestinian prisoners in preparation for their release.

According to these sources, the transfer of detainees follows the same procedures as in previous exchanges. Prisoners from the West Bank are being assembled in Ofer Prison near Ramallah.

Those slated for release into Gaza or deportation abroad are being gathered in the Negev Desert Prison.

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Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that the Prison Service has started transferring the detainees scheduled for release as part of the upcoming deal to Ketziot and Ofer prisons.

Those to be released to Gaza or deported abroad via the Rafah crossing have been moved to Ketziot, while those headed to the West Bank were transferred to Ofer, west of Ramallah.

Israeli authorities have required that no public celebrations be held by the released prisoners upon their return home.

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Frustration among families

A growing frustration among the families of many Palestinian prisoners excluded from the anticipated exchange.

It has become clear that the deal will not include prominent political and militant leaders such as Marwan Barghouti, Ahmad Saadat, Abdullah Barghouti, Abbas al-Sayyed, and Ibrahim Hamed.

Following the release of the twenty Israeli hostages, Israel plans to free around 250 prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,700 detainees arrested in Gaza after October 7, 2023.

Once the twenty hostages are released, Israel will have recovered all its captives taken since the events of October 7, 2023.

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Completion of logistical and medical preparations

In a statement, the Israeli army announced: “The Personnel Directorate, in cooperation with the Technology and Logistics Directorate, has completed the necessary preparations to receive the hostages expected to return from the Gaza Strip.”

It added: “These preparations were carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Health, several other government ministries, and security agencies, to ensure a professional, sensitive, and comprehensive reception for the returnees and their families.”

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The army explained that the initial reception facility had been expanded to include personalized services, private rooms, and comprehensive medical support.

It is within this facility that the returnees will reunite with their families for the first time — a moment described as deeply emotional. A special area has also been set aside for these reunions.

The statement concluded: “Special arrangements have been made for medical teams and mental health officers who will meet the returnees upon arrival. Hospitals have been prepared, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, to ensure full readiness and optimal care for all returnees.”

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