On the 21st day of the Gaza ceasefire, Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, handed over three Israeli detainees—Eli Sharabi, Or Levy, and Ohad Ben Ami—in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
In response, Israeli authorities released 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday as part of the agreement. Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Ramallah to welcome the freed detainees, some of whom required medical attention upon arrival. The status of detainees from Gaza and those deported from Palestine remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, an Israeli delegation is set to travel to Doha to engage in indirect talks about maintaining the ceasefire. According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation “Kan,” the team—comprising Mossad and Shin Bet officials—is focused on implementing the current phase rather than negotiating a second stage. Reports from Israel Hayom suggest that future talks will involve a lower-level delegation without key intelligence and strategic affairs leaders.
In a separate development, former US President Donald Trump addressed his proposal to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction through real estate projects. Speaking at the White House alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump said there is “no need to rush” the initiative, which he claimed had been “very well received.” He suggested that Israel would retain security oversight while US investments would contribute to regional stability.
Amid these discussions, the US State Department approved two arms deals for Israel, totaling $7.41bn, including missiles and military equipment. This follows reports that the US had lifted restrictions on delivering 907 kg bombs to Israel. Trump previously stated that “a large number of things” requested by Israel were now being supplied.
