Hundreds of Israelis Demand Release of Palestinian Prisoners in Gaza

According to Yediot Aharonot, hundreds of Israelis participated in a protest in West Jerusalem as reported by the Israeli newspaper. The demonstration, which was also attended by relatives of Israeli prisoners, called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to complete all stages of the prisoner exchange agreement and release all prisoners in Gaza.

Israeli protesters held banners accusing Netanyahu of obstructing the completion of the prisoner exchange agreement for “political and personal reasons.”

In a video released by Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, an Israeli prisoner in Gaza called for continuing protests until the approval of the second stage of the agreement.

CEASEFIRE AND PRISONER SWAP AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAMAS AND ISRAEL

The ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement between Hamas and Israel came into effect on January 19th at 12:15 GMT.

As part of the agreement, on January 27th, the Netzarim Corridor in the Gaza Strip was opened for Palestinians to move from south to north, and the Israeli army withdrew from the corridor on February 9th.

The Rafah Border Crossing between Gaza and Egypt was opened for the evacuation of the sick and wounded on February 1st after an 8-month Israeli occupation.

In the first stage of the prisoner exchange, over 1700 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails were released, while 33 Israeli prisoners – 25 alive and 8 deceased – were handed over in Gaza. Additionally, 5 Thai prisoners in Gaza were also released.

The 42-day first stage of the ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement in Gaza ended on March 1st.

According to the Israeli media, Prime Minister Netanyahu blocked the start of the second stage negotiations on February 3rd.