70 Palestinian Prisoners Released by Israel Arrive in Egypt as Part of Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas officials have accused Israel of delaying vital humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which they claim is essential to fulfill the terms of a recent ceasefire agreement. The accusations, reported on January 29, 2025, cite a failure to deliver key items, including fuel, tents, and heavy machinery, which were supposed to enter Gaza during the first week of the ceasefire that commenced on January 19. Two anonymous Hamas officials expressed concerns that continued delays could jeopardize the release of hostages, with one official stating, “We warn that continued delays and failure to address these points will affect the natural progression of the agreement, including the prisoner exchange.” The group has requested the intervention of mediators to address these issues. Despite the ongoing volatility, three hostages are scheduled to be released on Thursday, with an additional three set for release on Saturday. The ceasefire aims to last for 42 days, during which time seven Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for the liberation of 290 prisoners, primarily Palestinians. The situation remains tense as Hamas emphasizes the need for adherence to the humanitarian aspects of the ceasefire to ensure the continuation of negotiations and the safety of the hostages.

On January 25, 2025, seventy Palestinian prisoners were transported from Israel's Ktziot prison in the Negev desert to Egypt as part of a ceasefire agreement related to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The transfer occurred after the release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas militants in Gaza. According to state-linked Egyptian media, these prisoners will be subjected to medical treatment in Egyptian hospitals. This group's release is part of a broader arrangement involving the release of a total of 200 prisoners. The prisoners include individuals who have been serving life sentences for serious offenses against Israelis and, upon their release, will be permanently expelled from Palestinian territories. Footage showed prisoners disembarking in grey tracksuits at the Rafah border crossing. Amin Shuman, head of the Palestinian prisoners' affairs committee, stated that after their stay in Egypt, the prisoners will be given the option to relocate to Algeria, Turkey, or Tunisia. One released prisoner expressed joy, describing the moment as "indescribable" while waving from the bus window.

Egypt's Suez Canal, a vital artery for global trade, is facing a significant crisis due to ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen. Since November 2023, approximately 250 assaults on ships navigating the canal have been reported, severely disrupting maritime traffic as the rebels aim to influence international pressure on Israel regarding its operations in Gaza. Traffic through the canal has plummeted dramatically, falling from an average of 72 vessels per day in mid-December 2023 to just 27 ships by the month's end, carrying only a quarter of the usual cargo. This alarming decline has resulted in an estimated loss of $7 billion in revenue for Egypt in 2024, as confirmed by the country's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The Suez Canal Authority Chairman, Osama Rabie, indicated that more than 6,500 ships have altered their routes in response to the recent security concerns. The Egyptian government is grappling with a current account deficit exceeding $20 billion, intensified by dwindling canal revenues and a large trade deficit. Despite these challenges, Egyptian authorities remain optimistic about the canal's strategic importance and are considering further expansions to ensure its competitiveness once disruptions end. The Suez Canal has a long history of crises, but officials believe that no alternative route can match its efficiency and strategic location between Asia and Europe.