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Live Blog Update| Israel's genocide in Gaza

Did Israel round up women and children after 7 October as bargaining chips?

The latest round of exchanges in the prisoner swap agreed between Israel and Hamas is under way. 

On Thursday, Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli captives, including two young children, killed in Gaza during the war. 

In return, Israel is reportedly expected to release all women and minors it has detained since 7 October 2023 who were not involved in the Hamas-led surprise attack that day. 

Israelis held in Gaza are mostly referred to as “hostages” and “captives”, while Palestinians jailed by Israel are referred to as “prisoners” and “detainees”.

Several of those Palestinian prisoners have been handed lengthy, often decades-long sentences, including for murder. 

READ MORE: Did Israel round up women and children after 7 October as bargaining chips?

Palestinian prisoner Baraah Fuqaha, is welcomed by relatives upon the arrival of some 90 prisoners set free by Israel on 20 January 2025 in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia (AFP/Zain Jaafar)
Palestinian prisoner Baraah Fuqaha, is welcomed by relatives upon the arrival of some 90 prisoners set free by Israel on 20 January 2025 in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia (AFP/Zain Jaafar)