The first group of Palestinian and Israeli prisoners were freed under the terms of the breakthrough truce between Israel and Hamas on October 18, 2020.
The release was part of the implementation of the US-brokered agreement that saw the two sides agree to a six-month cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
A total of 55 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli prisons, and an Israeli civilian and the remains of two Israeli soldiers were returned by Hamas.
In exchange, Israel agreed to open up some of the major crossings in and out of the Gaza Strip and lift restrictions on Palestinian fishing rights.
