The 2023 Truce Exchange: 240 Palestinian Prisoners in Seven Days

Between 24 November and 1 December 2023 the first exchange since “Wafa al-Ahrar” took place, within a truce mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, in which 240 Palestinian prisoners, among them women and children, were freed in return for Israeli and foreign captives held in Gaza. ^[1][2]

Contents

1. The deal at a glance
2. The agreement
3. The batches
4. The extension and the end of the truce
5. The women and men freed
6. Timeline
7. Frequently asked questions about the November 2023 truce exchange

The deal at a glance

^[1][2][3]

The agreement

Qatar announced the agreement on Wednesday 22 November 2023. According to Emarat Al Youm Hamas would free 50 captives in return for 150 Palestinian women and minors, and a four-day humanitarian truce, extendable, began at seven on the morning of Friday 24 November. ^[1][4]

The agreement provided for a halt to military operations, a six-hour daily suspension of Israeli flights over parts of Gaza, and more aid convoys and fuel. Israel published a list of about 300 prisoners who might be released. ^[1]

The batches

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The extension and the end of the truce

On the evening of Monday 27 November Qatar announced a two-day extension of the truce, followed by one more day. By 28 November, the fifth day, Hamas had freed 86 captives and 180 prisoners had been freed. The truce ended at seven on the morning of Friday 1 December 2023, and the Israeli army announced the resumption of fighting minutes later. ^[3][2]

In total 240 Palestinian prisoners were freed during the truce, in return for 80 Israelis and 30 foreigners according to Al Jazeera English. ^[2]

The women and men freed

In the first two days Israel freed 30 women prisoners, leaving 32 women in custody according to Al Jazeera Net. Prominent names include Maysoun Musa al-Jabali, the longest-held woman prisoner, arrested on 29 June 2015 and sentenced to 15 years. Others freed include Israa Jaabis, Shorouq Dwayat and Marah Bakir. In the batch of 28 November the children included 12 from Jerusalem and 3 from the West Bank, and the women 5 from Jerusalem and 10 from the West Bank. ^[7][3]

Timeline

Frequently asked questions about the November 2023 truce exchange

How many prisoners were freed in the 2023 truce?

240 Palestinian prisoners over seven days. ^[2]

What was the original agreement?

50 captives in return for 150 Palestinian women and minors during a four-day truce. ^[1]

Who mediated?

Qatar, Egypt and the United States, with the Red Cross handling the handover of captives. ^[1][4]

When did the truce end?

At seven on the morning of 1 December 2023, and the Israeli army announced the resumption of fighting afterwards. ^[2]

Sources and references

1. Emarat Al Youm, “Details of the agreement between Israel and Hamas on a truce and exchange of hostages and prisoners”, 23 November 2023 (in Arabic).
2. Al Jazeera English, “Palestinians celebrate release of another batch of prisoners”, 1 December 2023.
3. Al Jazeera English, “Hamas and Israel exchange more captives for prisoners”, 29 November 2023.
4. Al Jazeera English, “Hamas releases 24 captives amid Israel truce: here’s what to know”, 24 November 2023.
5. Al Jazeera Net, “Israel receives a list of 39 Palestinian prisoners to be freed today”, 26 November 2023 (in Arabic).
6. Asharq News, “Completion of the exchange of the third batch”, 26 November 2023 (in Arabic).
7. Al Jazeera Net, “Al-Aqsa Flood frees Palestinian women prisoners from the occupation’s prisons”, 26 November 2023 (in Arabic).