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Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades Prepare for Fifth Prisoner Exchange with Israel

February 8, 2025

By The South Asia Times

GAZA - The armed wing of Hamas, Al-Qassam Brigades, began preparations on Saturday for the fifth prisoner exchange with Israel as part of the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Jan. 19.

According to an Anadolu Agency, Al-Qassam Brigades members were deployed in Deir al-Balah, located in central Gaza, to facilitate the handover of Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

On Friday, Al-Qassam announced that three Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami—would be released on Saturday as part of the ongoing exchange deal.

In return, 183 Palestinian detainees are set to be released by Israel, as per the agreement.

The ceasefire, which came into effect on Jan. 19, halted Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 47,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and caused widespread devastation.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its actions in the enclave.