'Israeli' government approves prisoner swap agreement with amendments

'Israeli' government has approved an amendment to the prisoner exchange deal, agreeing to include the release of two political prisoners who were not part of the previous list.

The total number of Palestinian political prisoners to be released in the first phase of the deal will now reach 736.

In related developments, 'Israeli' coordinator Gal Hirsch held meetings with the families of 'Israeli' captives, briefing them on preparations for the second phase of the swap. Hirsch reiterated the government's commitment to negotiating the return of all captives, whether alive or dead.

During a press conference on Friday, the captives' families demanded the full implementation of the deal, warning that any delay could mean "death sentences" for those still in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the 'Israeli' government is expected to receive a list of four female captives to be released on Saturday as part of the agreement.

In a separate report, the New York Times revealed that American security contractors will be sent to Gaza to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. They will monitor the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza and secure key areas that divide the region.