Israeli and Palestinian prisoner exchange underway

Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, announced in a press briefing that three Israeli captives, Emily, Doron, and Romi, have been released.

They are under the care of Israeli military forces and the domestic security agency Shin Bet.

“They are now with us and on their way home,” Hagari stated, confirming their safe recovery.

The captives are being accompanied by Israeli military officers from the Manpower Directorate and medical officials, who are conducting initial medical assessments.

The three individuals will soon reunite with their mothers.

A gathering of people at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square celebrated the return of the captives.

As part of the prisoner exchange deal, a Red Cross delegation entered Ofer Prison under tight security to oversee the release of Palestinian prisoners. The delegation is verifying the identities of the prisoners set to be freed.

A total of 90 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, are expected to be released in exchange for the three Israeli captives.

There is a heavy security presence around Ofer Prison as preparations are underway. The Israeli prison service has announced that it will handle the situation differently compared to a similar exchange in November 2023.

This time, measures are being taken to curb expressions of joy among Palestinians who are going to welcome their incarcerated family members home.

Some of the released prisoners are expected to return to occupied East Jerusalem.