![A view of Ofer Prison located between Ramallah and Jerusalem as preparations for the release of Palestinian prisoners continue, on January 30, 2025. [Issam Rimawi - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AA-20250130-36907481-36907465-OFER_PRISON_PREPARES_FOR_THE_RELEASE_OF_PALESTINIAN_PRISONERS.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
A Red Cross convoy carrying Palestinian detainees released in the third phase of the Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange departed Israel’s Ofer Prison on Wednesday (30 January).
The convoy is en route to the Beitunia area in the West Bank.
The first six-week phase of the ceasefire agreement took effect on 19 January, suspending Israel’s genocidal war that has killed more than 47,400 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and injured more than 111,000 since 7 October, 2023.
Ten Israeli captives have so far been released in return for 290 Palestinian prisoners since the deal came into force.
Under the first phase of the deal, 33 Israeli captives are set to be released in exchange for an estimated 1,700 to 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
The Israeli onslaught on Gaza has left more than 11,000 people missing, with widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis that has claimed the lives of many elderly people and children in one of the worst global humanitarian disasters ever.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
READ: Hamas warns Israel that aid delays affect prisoner exchange schedule