The Gaza Strip is preparing for the second phase of a prisoner exchange as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which began on January 19.
Scheduled for Saturday, this exchange will see Hamas releasing four Israeli hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners wrongfully held by Israel.
Hamas has disclosed the names of the four hostages, but Israel has yet to reveal the names of the Palestinian prisoners to be released.
As part of the agreement, 30 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, will be released for each civilian Israeli hostage, and 50 Palestinians will be freed for each Israeli soldier, with some serving life sentences.
Israel has already freed 90 Palestinian detainees, and Hamas has released three Israeli captives.
Additionally, following the exchange, Israeli forces will withdraw from parts of Gaza, humanitarian aid will increase, and displaced Palestinians will begin returning to northern Gaza.
The Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt is also expected to open on February 2 to allow the passage of wounded Palestinians.
