Fifth round of Hamas-Israeli Occupation prisoner swaps

Israeli Occupation Forces stated that captive Or Levi is being transported by an air force helicopter to a hospital, where he will reunite with family and receive medical care.

Meanwhile, captives Ohad Ben-Ami and Eliyahu Sharabi are set to depart for the hospital soon.

Hamas has issued a statement condemning the treatment of Palestinian political prisoners held in "Israeli" jails, highlighting what it describes as a stark contrast between the humane treatment of captives by the resistance and the oppressive measures faced by Palestinian detainees.

The group warned of the continued torture, oppression, and medical neglect inflicted upon detainees, urging the international community to take action.

Furthermore, Hamas renewed its commitment to securing the release of Palestinian political prisoners, pledging to spare no effort until all detainees are freed, despite the ongoing occupation.

Palestinian Red Crescent: The number of released detainees transferred to hospitals has risen to seven due to their poor health conditions.

Palestine Red Crescent Society: Six released Palestinian detainees were transferred to hospitals due to poor health conditions.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Information Office announced that 'Israel' will release 183 Palestinian political prisoners on Saturday as part of the fifth batch of the first phase of the prisoner swap deal.

The list includes 18 detainees sentenced to life imprisonment, 54 others with high sentences, and 111 detainees from Gaza who were arrested after October 7, 2023.

Here is the distribution of the prisoners to be released in the fifth batch:

• 42 from the West Bank
• Three from Jerusalem
• 27 from Gaza
• 111 political prisoners from Gaza arrested after October 7

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed on Saturday that the "horrific scene" of the release of 'Israeli' captives in Gaza "will not go unnoticed," stressing the government's commitment to bringing all captives and missing persons back.

Meanwhile, the 'Israeli' military announced that three of the captives released are now in 'Israeli' territory, marking the fifth phase of the prisoner swap between 'Israel' and Hamas.

Families of 'Israeli' captives expressed urgency on Saturday, stating that there is no more time to spare and calling for the immediate return of all remaining captives.

In a statement, the families’ committee emphasized the need to continue efforts until the last captive is released from Gaza.

The remarks come as negotiations for further prisoner exchanges remain uncertain, with growing pressure from families and international mediators to secure additional releases.

Released "Israeli" captive, Or Levi, called for continued efforts to complete the stages of the ceasefire agreement and advance negotiations for the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal between "Israel" and Hamas.

In statements following his release, Levi urged the "Israeli" government to move forward with negotiations, emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to end the aggression.

He also sent a message to the families of the "Israeli" captives, urging them to continue their efforts to complete the deal in full.

This comes as international negotiations continue regarding the second phase of the agreement, with pressure from involved parties to reach a resolution that ensures the release of more detainees and captives. 

Officially, the three "Israeli" captives are in the custody of the Red Cross.

Qassam Brigades began the process of handing over the three "Israeli" captives to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip.

Captives have started arriving at Qassam platform in Deir al-Balah to be handed over to the Red Cross.

In a scene that reflects the resilience of the resistance, one of the fighters from the Al-Qassam Brigades was seen carrying his weapon despite being injured and having a foot amputated during the ceremony for the release of "Israeli" captives in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip.

The fighter, who appeared determined and steadfast despite his injury, participated in the event as a powerful message affirming that the wounded in Gaza do not retreat from resistance; rather, they continue on their path to the end.

Observers noted that the scene carries a significant symbolic message indicating that while the occupation may succeed in injuring the body, it cannot break the will of the resistance fighters, who continue to stand firm despite the ongoing aggression.

This comes at a time when negotiations regarding the exchange of captives and political prisoners are ongoing, while the resistance seeks to strengthen its position and political and military messages on the ground.

Red Cross team arrives at captive handover site in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.

Israeli Occupation’s prison authority is preparing to release a number of Palestinian prisoners from Ktzi'ot Prison as part of the ceasefire agreement between Palestinian resistance groups and 'Israel', Channel 12 reported.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Media Office announced that 'Israel' will release 183 Palestinian detainees on Saturday as part of the fifth batch of the first phase of the exchange deal.

The list includes 18 detainees serving life sentences, 54 with long-term sentences, and 111 detainees from Gaza who were arrested after October 7, 2023.

The Prisoners' Media Office reported that the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) are conducting raids on the homes of families belonging to prisoners who are anticipated to be released today.

These operations are taking place in various cities and villages throughout the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Videos showed members of Hamas deploying on Saturday in two different areas of Gaza in preparation for the fifth round of the prisoner exchange.

The release of the "Israeli" captives is expected to take place at two different locations. Two of them will be freed in central Gaza, along Salah Al-Din Road between Nuseirat and Deir Al-Balah, while the third detainee will be released either in Gaza City or in the northern part of the strip.

"Israel’s" army radio reported that, for the first time, Hamas will be releasing detainees from central Gaza, an area where the "Israeli" forces has not previously operated.

The handover is scheduled to take place in the morning, around 10:00 A.M. Gaza time, 11:00 A.M. Amman time.

Abu Obaida, the military spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades, released the list of “Israeli” captives set for release on Saturday, February 8, as part of the next round of prisoner exchanges under the Gaza ceasefire deal.

The names are Or Levy, Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami.

(Left to right: Or Levy, Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami)

"Israel’s" army radio reported that the security establishment has confirmed it will prevent any celebratory marches on Saturday for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Meanwhile, developments continue regarding the ceasefire agreement in Gaza between the Israeli Occupation and Hamas.

The Prisoners’ Media Office announced that the Israeli Occupation will release 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday as part of the fifth batch of the first phase of the exchange deal.

The list includes 18 prisoners serving life sentences, 54 others with high sentences, and 111 prisoners from Gaza arrested after October 7, 2023.

In the same context, Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obaida announced the names of the "Israeli" captives set to be released on Saturday.

The brigades decided to release prisoners Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami on Saturday.