Israel to Release 1,950 Palestinians, Reopen Rafah
The first phase of the agreement, partially accepted by Hamas, includes Israeli withdrawal and humanitarian access.
Khalil al-Hayya, leader of the Islamic resistance in Gaza, urged the international community to ensure compliance with the agreement. Photo: EFE
October 9, 2025 Hour: 7:59 pm
Hamas leader in Gaza Khalil al-Hajjah announced on Thursday that Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, and all kidnapped Palestinian women and children.
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In addition, the Rafah border crossing, arbitrarily closed since May 2024, will be reopened in both directions, to allow the passage of humanitarian aid.
These measures are part of the first phase of the agreement to end Israel’s war of genocide against the Gaza Strip, reached after negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey on the plan proposed by the United States.
In the speech, broadcast on Arabic channels, Al Hajjah assures that “250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment will be released, as well as 1,700 inhabitants of the Gaza Strip detained after October 7. All women and children will also be released.”
The resistance leader also stressed that Hamas received assurances from mediators and the U.S. government that “the war is completely over” in the Gaza Strip.
This agreement, proposed by Washington on September 29, includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages within 72 hours, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to agreed lines and humanitarian access to Gaza.
Hamas urged the international community to ensure Israel’s full compliance with the agreement, emphasizing the need for oversight to prevent violations.
The Rafah crossing, key to humanitarian access and mobility for Gazans, was taken by Israel in May 2024, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Its reopening will allow the entry of essential resources such as food, medicine and fuel.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that both sides have approved the first phase of the deal, which prioritizes the release of all hostages and Israeli military withdrawal. Hamas, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to the pact, which also includes a prisoner exchange and measures to stabilize the region. “
We have received assurances from our brother mediators and the US government that the war is over,” Khalil al-Hayya reiterated on Thursday.
The negotiations for the end of the war and the beginning of “reconstruction”, which began on October 6 in Cairo, involved delegations from Hamas and Israel with the mediation of international actors.
Author: HGV
Source: Telesur
