The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced that, starting Saturday—the seventh day of the ceasefire—internally displaced Gazans will be allowed to return north via Al-Rashid Street, known as the “Coastal Road.”
This follows the conclusion of the prisoner exchange and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Al-Rashid axis. Civilians can move north without weapons or searches, and unrestricted travel between Gaza’s northern and southern regions will be allowed.
Aerial footage of the displaced people’s tents on Al-Rashid Street, from which they will return to northern Gaza. pic.twitter.com/IPmgh2k6rc
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) January 23, 2025
UN Reports Surge in Aid Deliveries to Gaza
On the sixth day of the ceasefire, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 653 aid trucks entered Gaza in 24 hours. OCHA highlighted that aid shipments and workers are now reaching previously inaccessible areas, significantly improving relief efforts.
Second Phase of Prisoner Exchange Underway
Abu Obeida, the military spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades posted that, within the framework of the Al-Aqsa Flood Deal for prisoner exchange, the Al-Qassam Brigades decided to release the following female soldiers tomorrow, Saturday, corresponding to 01-25-2025:
1-Soldier Karina Arif
2-Soldier Danielle Gilboa
3-Soldier Naama Levy
4-Soldier Liri Elbag
Israeli Channel 14 had reported that Hamas would provide the Israeli enemy with a list of prisoners on Friday to be released the next day. In the second phase of the exchange, Hamas would release four Zionist detainees, including three soldiers, in return for 180 Palestinian prisoners.
Israeli Enemy to Release 290 Palestinian Prisoners
Israeli media reported that 200 of the Palestinian prisoners set to be released in the first phase of the exchange deal are serving life sentences. The prisoners, accused of participating in attacks that caused Zionist casualties, will be deported to Gaza or other unspecified countries. Their names remain undisclosed.
According to reports, a total of approximately 290 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences will be released in this phase of the deal.
Trump Highlights Ceasefire in Gaza
US President Donald Trump underscored the importance of preserving the Gaza ceasefire, cautioning that its breakdown could cause serious problems. Speaking at the Davos Forum, Trump claimed that his administration had been instrumental in facilitating Middle East ceasefire negotiations, asserting that the agreement would not have been achieved without his team’s efforts.
Meanwhile, Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to securing the return of all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. During a video call with the families of three Israeli women recently released as part of the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal, Netanyahu vowed to continue efforts to ensure the release of the remaining detainees.
Meanwhile, Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to securing the return of all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. During a video call with the families of three Israeli women recently released as part of the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal, Netanyahu vowed to continue efforts to ensure the release of the remaining detainees.
The families conveyed a message from the freed detainees, urging the government to press ahead with the deal, stating that doing so would provide “strength and healing” to them and Israeli society as a whole.
Protests in Tel Aviv Over Prisoner Exchange and Judicial Reforms
Hundreds of Zionists gathered outside the Ministry of War in the occupied city of Tel Aviv to demand the completion of all phases of the prisoner exchange deal to secure the return of detainees from Gaza.
The demonstration also voiced strong opposition to recent actions by the so-called Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who has resumed efforts to implement controversial judicial reforms. Protesters argued that the reforms undermine the principle of separation of powers and weaken the judiciary’s independence.
The demonstrators pledged to continue their protests until all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza are returned.
Israelis raise a large banner on Ayalon Street in Tel Aviv, declaring: ‘We will pursue those who delay the deal until the return of the 94 prisoners.’ pic.twitter.com/bo2sx5agUK
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) January 24, 2025
Poll Reveals Strong Support for Prisoner Exchange Deal
A recent poll conducted for the Hebrew daily Israel Hayom revealed that 70% of Israelis support completing all phases of the prisoner exchange deal. Among voters for Likud, Religious Zionism, and Shas, 59% expressed support for the agreement.
The survey also found that 52% of respondents attribute the success of the deal to former US President Donald Trump. However, only 33% of Religious Zionism Party supporters favor a return to war, while just 31% of Likud voters support resuming hostilities after the first phase of the deal. Overall, only 17% of Israelis are restarting the conflict after the first phase is completed.
The poll further indicated that the Religious Zionism Party, led by Bezalel Smotrich, would fail to cross the electoral threshold if elections were held today. In contrast, the Democratic Alliance is projected to secure 12 seats in the Knesset, marking a surprising surge in its popularity.
Source: Al-Manar Website
