The Israeli occupation began releasing Palestinian prisoners from “Ofer” and “Ketziot” prisons to the occupied West Bank, while a bus carrying others headed to the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire agreement.

The release comes after Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, freed 20 Israeli captives alive in two batches—one in Gaza City and another in the south—and handed them over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which then transferred them to the Israeli side.

Israeli reports revealed that Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya was included in a reserve list and may be released by a special decision from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Yisrael Katz if the required number of released prisoners is not met.