Following the return of the captives from Gaza, Israel will proceed with the release of about 2,000 Palestinian detainees from its prisons, according to the terms of the first stage of a ceasefire deal signed by the two parties under US mediation.

Hamdan said that the list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release was still under negotiation.

Hamas’s “prisoners office… has said that, so far, the process has not been finalised. Israel is still refusing to release certain names. However, the negotiating delegation is making every effort to secure their release,” the official said, adding that the final list would be ready on Saturday night or by Sunday morning “at the latest”.