The Israeli’s Ministry of Justice has published the names of 250 Palestinian detainees scheduled for release as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, but the absence of a high-profile figure has drawn attention.
The announcement came shortly after the Israeli cabinet approved the initial stage of a ceasefire agreement.
According to Israeli officials, the first group of Israeli hostages is expected to be freed on Monday, though logistical challenges may delay some releases, with US President Donald Trump suggesting it could happen by Tuesday, reports Reuters.
While Israel has finalised and revealed its list, Hamas has yet to formally endorse the names, casting uncertainty over the final exchange. The Israeli list details serious charges against many of those slated for release, including murder, attempted murder, bomb-making, kidnapping, and other violent offences.
A significant number of the prisoners have been serving life sentences, many linked to fatal attacks against Israelis over the last four decades. Some claim wrongful conviction and maintain their innocence.
The list includes not only individuals associated with Hamas, but also Fatah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
One notable name on the list is Maher al-Hashlamoun, associated with Islamic Jihad and convicted for the 2014 killing of Dalia Lemkus, as well as attempted murder charges in the same attack, reports Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
A legal challenge by Choose Life Forum, a group representing families affected by terrorism, attempted to block the release of certain prisoners, but was ultimately rejected by an Israeli court.
However, Marwan Barghouti, one of the most influential figures in Palestinian politics and a long-time prisoner, was notably absent from the list. Often referred to as the “Palestinian Mandela,” Barghouti is widely regarded as a leading candidate for future Palestinian leadership.
Barghouti, a key figure during the Second Intifada, has survived multiple assassination attempts and spent over two decades behind bars. Israeli authorities accuse him of orchestrating deadly attacks through the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, although Barghouti denies all involvement.
Despite his imprisonment, polling consistently ranks him as the most popular choice to lead the Palestinian Authority, underscoring his enduring political relevance.
Israeli authorities have also stated they will not return the bodies of Hamas leaders Yahya and Mohammad Sinwar as part of this deal.
Currently, over 11,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli custody, with official data suggesting that 87% have not been formally charged or convicted.
Meanwhile, 48 Israeli hostages remain held in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive.
Hamas has indicated that recovering the bodies of Israelis, who died in captivity in Gaza, may take more time than releasing those who are alive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the planned release, expressing hope for families awaiting reunion with their loved ones.
“The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages, both the living and the deceased,” Netanyahu said via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that troops have begun taking up strategic positions to support the implementation of the exchange. Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces will remain active in Gaza to maintain pressure on Hamas to surrender its weapons.
More than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s assault on Gaza, launched after Hamas launched an attack on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages.
