Pakistan has agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel under a ceasefire agreement reached on January 15 between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of war.
The deal, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., aims to secure the exchange of hostages and prisoners while working toward a lasting truce.
Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners in the fourth round of hostage-prisoner exchange on February 1, 2025, after Hamas released three Israeli hostages.
Abdullah Zaghari, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, said Pakistan is among four countries—along with Türkiye, Qatar, and Malaysia—set to receive 15 Palestinian prisoners each.
The released detainees are currently in Egypt, with discussions ongoing to secure accommodation for the remaining prisoners. Israel reportedly barred the return of certain Palestinians to the West Bank and Gaza, leading to their temporary relocation in Egypt before deportation.
Hamas spokesperson Dr. Khaled Qaddoumi welcomed Pakistan’s decision, calling the country an “elder brother” with a deep connection to Palestine. “We have officially received confirmation that Pakistan has agreed to receive 15 prisoners. For this, we are deeply grateful to the Pakistani government, the Pakistani people, and the Pakistani establishment,” Dr. Qaddoumi told Arab News.
Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has not officially commented on hosting the freed prisoners but has consistently expressed support for an independent Palestinian state.
The development follows a Quds Press report that said 99 Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel had been deported to Egypt, with 263 expected to be freed by the completion of the first phase of the release process.
Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, Pakistan has sent several relief consignments to Gaza, and also established the ‘Prime Minister’s Relief Fund’ to collect public donations for the war-affected Palestinians.
“Just as this nation, its people, and this country [Pakistan] have always expressed solidarity with Palestine and remained committed to their promises, Alhamdulillah, they continue to uphold them,” Dr. Qaddoumi said.
“Thank you to the Pakistani people, Pakistan’s leadership, and the country itself.”
A six-week initial ceasefire phase which took effect on January 19, ending 15 months of war, involves the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.
Under the deal, Hamas will free 33 Israeli hostages, including all women (both soldiers and civilians), children, and men aged over 50 years. In return, Israel will release 30 Palestinian detainees for each civilian hostage and 50 for each Israeli female soldier released by Hamas.
Since the ceasefire took effect, Hamas has released 18 hostages in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinians from its prisons.
Talks are ongoing for the second phase of the deal, which could see the release of remaining hostages and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.