Prisoner swap

Israel seeks return of Jewish remains buried in Lebanon as part of prisoner talks - report

The discussions reportedly involved remains buried in Jewish cemeteries in Beirut and Sidon, alongside the status of Lebanese detainees held by Israel.

The Beth Elamen Jewish cemetery at Damascus Road in the Achrafieh quarter of the Lebanese capital Beirut, taken 2021
Palestinian militant group Hamas fighters secure an area before handing over two Israeli hostages to a Red Cross team in Khan Yunis.

Exiled Palestinian official walks back Jared Kushner ceasefire claim as Israeli strikes hit Gaza

 UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-WAR-POW Released Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) react upon arrival by bus following a prisoner exchange at an undisclosed location, in the Chernihiv region on May 15, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russia, Ukraine confirm exchange of 160 prisoners of war

 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) are seen next to buses after a swap, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location, Ukraine April 19, 2025.

Russia says US hasn't followed through on Trump-Putin 'understandings' as war grinds on


Lapid heads to Cairo as Israeli-Hamas tensions heat up

It is speculated that Lapid may meet with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi. If so, he would return to him ancient Egyptian artifacts illegally smuggled into Israel. 

 An Egyptian man looks on by an Egyptian military outpost at the Israel-Egypt border as seen from southern Israel September 27, 2021.

Israel turned down ‘road map’ for prisoner swap, Hamas claims

The alleged Israeli rejection of the Hamas offer came against a backdrop of reports suggesting that progress has been made towards striking a prisoner swap deal.

Yahya Sinwar arrives at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza on October 18, 2011, after being released by Israel as part of a prisoner swap for kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit

Israel, Hamas reach ‘understandings’ on prisoner swap - report

Last week, Hamas said that the issue of the prisoners remains at the top of its priorities and it will not rest until they are all released from Israeli prisons.

Israelis Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed being held by Hamas in Gaza

Israel still fractured by prisoner swap debates, 10-years after Schalit deal

The release of Gilad Schalit was a testament to a long-held army principle that the IDF does not abandon its soldiers on the battlefield. However, many think that the price was too high.

GERSHON BASKIN believes his greatest accomplishment is aiding in the talks that led to the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit (center), seen here shortly after his release from Gaza in October 2011

PA President Abbas trying to block Israel-Hamas prisoner deal - report

Abbas is seeking to hinder the Egyptian mediation efforts because of his objection to the inclusion of jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti.

FATAH LEADER Marwan Barghouti is escorted in handcuffs into the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court in 2012.

Hamas pushes for prisoner swap, warns of 'explosion' during Egypt visit

A Hamas delegation pushed for a prisoner swap with Israel, while warning "violations" of Jerusalem could cause situation to explode.

HAMAS LEADERS Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar march to protest US President Donald Trump’s ‘Deal of the Century,’ in Gaza City in June 2019.

‘Significant progress’ achieved in prisoner swap negotiations – report

Palestinian Islamic Jihad called for kidnapping IDF soldiers to force Israel to release security prisoners.

Palestinian Hamas militants take part in an anti-Israel rally in Gaza City May 22, 2021

Hamas presents ‘roadmap’ for prisoner swap with Israel

It is widely believed that the Egyptians are leading efforts to secure a deal between Israel and Hamas.

Yahya Sinwar arrives at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza on October 18, 2011, after being released by Israel as part of a prisoner swap for kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit

Hamas, Israel reportedly close to reaching prisoner swap

Thanks to Egyptian pressure, Israel and Hamas might be close to a prisoner swap deal, which could lead to a long-term truce.

A boy playing the role of a prisoner has his hands tied during a rally marking Palestinian Prisoners' Day April 17, 2019.

Palestinians warn Gaza won't be silent until border restrictions eased

United Nations and Egyptian mediators have reportedly told Hamas that the issue of rebuilding the Gaza Strip should be linked to a prisoner exchange agreement with Israel.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar attends a rally in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip January 7, 2016