Hamas shares document detailing how ceasefire-for-hostages deal will be implemented

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim has shared a document detailing how the ceasefire-for hostages agreement between Israel and Hamas will be implemented.

According to the document, Israel will release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners who were arrested on October 8, 2023, but were not involved in Hamas’ attack on Israel the day before.

Of the 33 hostages Hamas is expected to release, nine who are ill and injured will be exchanged for 110 Palestinian prisoners with life sentences, according to the document.

Under phase one of the deal, Israeli forces will gradually reduce their presence along the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border, and begin withdrawing after the last of the 33 hostages is released. Its forces will complete their withdrawal by day 50, under phase two of the deal, according to the document.

It also says Israel will work on getting the Rafah border crossing ready as soon as the agreement is signed to facilitate the return of displaced civilians. On the seventh day after the deal takes effect, unarmed pedestrians will be allowed to return to the north, without undergoing inspection, while vehicles will be able to return after being inspected by a third party.

Egypt, one of the mediators of the deal, confirmed the authenticity of the document.