Israel is set to release 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, according to a list provided by the Palestinian Prisoners Society.
The group includes 69 women and nine minors, the youngest being 15 years old. An earlier statement from Israel’s Justice Ministry had indicated 95 individuals would be freed, but some were found to have already been released.
According to reports, currently, Israel holds over 10,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 3,376 under administrative detention—detained without formal charges or trial—among them 95 children and 22 women.
As a ceasefire took effect in Gaza on Sunday, many Palestinians returned to their devastated neighbourhoods, navigating the ruins of their homes.
In Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, residents expressed despair over widespread destruction. Mahmoud Abu Hilal lamented the loss of his four homes, while displaced resident Mohammad Al Qadi shared his grief, stating, “We are defeated. We have no lives; we will live in the streets.”
In northern Gaza, some celebrated the ceasefire with relief, while others described the moment as bittersweet.
Hala Shehada noted, “Surviving death is a joyful thing. Even though we face an uncertain future, the thought of no longer losing loved ones is a relief.”
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the release of three female hostages held by Hamas.
Two Israeli military helicopters landed in southern Israel near the Gaza border to transport the women to a hospital after their release.
The hostages include Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and dual UK-Israeli citizen Emily Damari.
The Israeli military has also begun a partial withdrawal from Gaza under the terms of the ceasefire.
This initial phase, lasting 42 days, mandates Israel’s withdrawal from population centres while maintaining a presence along Gaza’s borders.
The truce marks the beginning of a prisoner exchange, with 33 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees expected to be freed during this six-week period.
However, delays in implementing the ceasefire led to continued Israeli airstrikes, resulting in 13 Palestinian fatalities and dozens of injuries.
As the ceasefire stabilises, humanitarian aid has started flowing into Gaza. Trucks carrying food and supplies from the World Food Programme entered the enclave for the first time since the truce began.
The UN reported having 4,000 aid trucks ready, with half containing essential food items, to address the dire needs of the affected population.
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