Informed sources have revealed details of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, focusing on prisoner exchanges and field withdrawals.

A Hamas source stated that “the implementation of the agreement will begin within 72 hours of the Israeli government’s approval, and the first phase includes the release of living Israeli hostages in exchange for more than 2,000 Palestinian detainees.”

The source explained that “this batch includes 250 prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment and 1,700 detainees arrested after October 7, 2023, in addition to scheduled Israeli withdrawals.”

Similarly, another Hamas source told AFP that the exchange process will be fully executed within the first three days of implementation.

Meanwhile, a U.S. official revealed that “the release of hostages will occur 72 hours after the Israeli government votes to approve the agreement, expected by Monday at the latest,” noting that the Israeli withdrawal to the “agreed line” will be completed in less than 24 hours.

He added that “Hamas may try to start the process earlier if possible.”

Conversely, Reuters quoted an Israeli government spokesperson expecting that “the release of hostages will begin on Saturday,” without clarifying whether this includes all 48 remaining hostages, alive or deceased.