Pakistan agreed to organize 15 Palestinian prisoners who were released as part of a high fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, according to a spokesman for Hamas. The announcement, made on Monday, described Pakistan as an “older brother” for his willingness to support the Palestinian cause.
El Alto El Fuego, which ended 15 months of war, began on January 15 and includes the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli forces of Centro de Gaza and the return of the Palestinians displaced north of Gaza.
The agreement also saw Hamas accept to free 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children and men over 50, while Israel promised to free 30 Palestinian detainees for each civil hostage and 50 for each Israeli female soldier released by Hamas.
Dr. Khaled Qaddoumi, a spokesman for Hamas, confirmed that Israel had already released almost 180 Palestinians, some of which have been established in Egypt, while several Muslim countries, including Pakistan, have expressed their willingness to organize released prisoners, Arab News reported.
“We have officially received the confirmation that Pakistan has agreed to receive 15 prisoners. For this, we are deeply grateful to the Pakistani government, the Pakistani people and the Pakistani establishment,” said Dr. Qaddoumi.
The Government has not yet commented on its agreement to organize prisoners, but the measure follows Pakistan’s long support for Palestine.
The development follows the reports of Quds Press, which declared that 99 Palestinian prisoners had been deported to Egypt, and it is expected that 263 are more released by completing the first phase of the release process.
The second phase of the agreement will include the release of remaining Israeli hostages and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli troops of Gaza.
Since the beginning of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza in October 2023, Pakistan has provided humanitarian aid and launched a public donation fund to support the population affected by the war in Gaza.
“We continue to maintain our commitment to Palestine, and we thank the Pakistani people and leadership for their continuous support,” added Dr. Qaddoumi.
The conflict has led to a devastating loss of lives, with more than 47,000 Palestinians reported by dead and generalized destruction in Gaza, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.
