The ceasefire in Gaza comes into effect tomorrow, raising hopes for an end to the years-long war that has left thousands dead in the strip of land bombed by Israeli forces in response to an attack on civilians by Palestinian groups. Hundreds of Israelis were kidnapped and dragged across the border in the October 7 attack, some of whom will return from Gaza after 15 months in exchange for prisoners held by Israel. Here are some details about the hostage deal and who are the prisoners that will be released by Israel and Hamas:
What's the deal?
The Israeli cabinet has approved the ceasefire and the release of hostages, which Hamas, which plays a leading role in the Palestinian resistance, had previously agreed to.
The first phase of the agreement, which will last six weeks, would usher in a “complete ceasefire”, US President Joe Biden said on Thursday. This would put an end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas, bringing hope to millions who have been driven from their homes and who have been waiting for their loved ones.
Read: Hostage exchange and more: what you need to know about the three-phase Gaza deal
The ceasefire will come into effect at 0630 GMT on Sunday, said the spokesman for Qatar's foreign ministry, which had helped broker the deal.
Who will be delivered from Israel?
Protesters celebrate in support of Palestinians in Rabat, Morocco
As many as 737 prisoners will be released from Israeli prisons in the first phase, the Justice Ministry has confirmed. Among them will be men, women and children. The government has claimed it will not go ahead with the release before 4pm local time, or 2pm GMT, on Sunday.
Read: 'Bloodiest day' for Gaza as airstrikes continued for hours around ceasefire
Zakaria Zubeidi, who headed the armed wing of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas's Fatah party and is seen as a hero by Palestinians, is on the list. The list includes Khalifa Jarar, a left-wing lawmaker and a prominent member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is banned as a “terrorist” group by Israel, the US and the European Union.
The number of prisoners to be released will ultimately depend on the number of living hostages released by Hamas, an Israeli spokesman said.
Which hostages will be released?
Protesters in Tel Aviv demand the release of Israelis held hostage in Gaza
A total of 33 hostages kidnapped by Hamas will be released in the first phase. As many as 251 people were taken hostage during the 2023 attack. Of these, the Israeli army believes that 34 are dead and that 94 remain in Gaza.
Read: The destruction of Gaza in numbers: the material impact of war
The list includes at least three Israeli female soldiers, AFP news agency reported, citing Hamas sources, although it could also refer to civilians kidnapped during the October attack, as the group includes any Israeli of military age with previous military service as considers a soldier.
Local media have identified the hostages to be released tomorrow as Liri Albag, Itzhak Elgarat, Karina Ariev, Ohad Ben Ami, Ariel Bibas, Yarden Bibas, Kfir Bibas, Shiri Bibas, Agam Berger, Gonen Romi, Daniella Gilboa, Emily Damari, Sagui Dekel Chen, Iair Horn, Omer Wenkert, Alexandre Sasha Troufanov, Arbel Yehoud, Ohad Yahalomi, Eliya Cohen, Or Levy, Naama Levy, Oded Lifshitz, Gadi Moshe Mozes, Avraham (Avera) Mengisto, Shlomo Mantzur, Keith Samuel Sigal, Tsachi Idan, Ofer Kalderon, Tal Shoham, Doron Steinbrecher, Omer Shem Tov, Hisham Al-Sayed and Eli Sharabi.