
Israel has agreed to release 737 Palestinian prisoners in a high-stakes swap deal, amid hardline opposition from Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Meanwhile, a missile from Yemen triggered sirens across central Israel while Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for a rocket fired towards the Gaza envelope.
According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 46,876 Palestinians have been killed, and 110,642 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7, 2023.
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Celebrations Erupt as Palestinian Resistance and Police Take Charge in Gaza
AL-MAYADEEN: Palestinian resistance fighters and vehicles are visible in various Palestinian cities and refugee camps. Gaza police have swiftly emerged to take responsibility for maintaining order across different localities. Victory celebrations are unfolding throughout Gaza, as people mark this significant moment.
Ceasefire Begins After 471 Days of Genocide
PALESTINE CHRONICLE: After 471 days of relentless massacres of innocent Palestinians by Israel, alongside legendary steadfastness and resistance, a ceasefire in Gaza officially begins.
Israel to Exile Some Palestinian Prisoners Abroad
ISRAELI MEDIA: Netanyahu confirms some released Palestinian prisoners will be exiled outside Palestine.
Israeli Forces Begin Withdrawing from Rafah
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli military starts pulling out from central Rafah to the Philadelphia Corridor in southern Gaza.
US Airstrikes Target North of Sana’a, Yemen
YEMENI MEDIA: 4 US airstrikes hit the Azraqeen area north of the Yemeni capital.
Gaza Awaits Ceasefire to Take Effect in Hours
PC: Gaza anticipates the ceasefire starting at 8:30 AM local time, with hopes to end Israeli airstrikes after 470 days.
Details of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
Ceasefire starts at 8:30 AM.
Israeli forces to withdraw from residential areas.
12-hour Israeli flight ban over Gaza.
Partial return of displaced people.
600 aid trucks to enter Gaza daily.
Prisoner exchange begins at 4:00 PM local time.
Prisoner Exchange Process Begins as Egypt Confirms Palestinian Releases
Yahya Saree: We Targeted the US Aircraft Carrier Harry Truman
YEMENI MEDIA: The military spokesperson for Ansar Allah (Houthi movement) announced:
We targeted the US aircraft carrier Harry Truman in the northern Red Sea with drones and missiles.
This marks the eighth targeting of the US aircraft carrier since its arrival in the Red Sea.
We warn hostile forces in the Red Sea against any aggression on our country during the ceasefire period.
Yemeni Missile Hits Target in Tel Aviv, Disrupts Israeli Air Traffic
Israeli Warns Palestinian Prisoners' Families in Jerusalem Against Celebrations
AL-JAZEERA: Israeli police have warned the families of six Palestinian prisoners in East Jerusalem, who are expected to be released today, against holding celebrations.
Zakaria Zubeidi, Other Key Figures Included in Israel’s Release of 735 Palestinian Prisoners
Israeli Nahal Brigade Withdraws from Gaza
ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Army Radio reported that the 932nd Battalion of the Nahal Brigade has withdrawn from Gaza as part of the ceasefire arrangements.
Israeli Army Prepares for Gradual Withdrawal from Parts of Gaza
US MEDIA: CNN reported that Israeli military sources confirmed preparations for a gradual withdrawal from certain areas in Gaza. This move is part of the redeployment of Israeli occupation forces in line with the ceasefire agreement.
Naim Qassem: Palestinian Resistance Foiled Israel’s Plans in Gaza
Israeli Bombing North of Nuseirat Camp in Gaza
PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli occupation forces targeted residential buildings north of Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip early this Sunday. Additional airstrikes were reported on Gaza City, and artillery shelling hit areas west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
Trump's Advisor: US Reaffirms Commitment to Gaza Agreement
AXIOS: Sources told Axios that National Security Advisor to President-elect Donald Trump reassured families of US detainees that Washington remains committed to implementing all stages of the Gaza agreement, set to begin Sunday morning.
Israeli Army Prepares Gradual Gaza Withdrawal
CNN (citing Israeli military officials): The Israeli army is preparing for a gradual withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip. This adjustment in troop deployment aligns with the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Nahal Brigade Withdraws from Gaza
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: The 932nd Battalion of the Israeli Nahal Brigade has withdrawn from the Gaza Strip as part of ceasefire-related arrangements.
Israeli Army on High Alert Over Rocket Fire from Gaza
ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli army raised its alert level for air defenses, fearing rocket fire towards Gaza’s border areas.
Palestinian Prisoners to Be Transferred Ahead of Release
ISRAELI PRISON SERVICE: The Israeli Prison Service announced that Palestinian prisoners set for release tomorrow are being transferred to the facility from which they will be freed.
Israeli Army Leadership Set for Dismissals
ISRAEL HAYOM: The Israeli political leadership has agreed on plans to dismiss top army officials soon.
Hind Rajab Foundation Files Another War Crimes Complaint
CHANNEL 12: The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed a war crimes complaint in Barcelona against an Israeli soldier.
Prisoner Exchange to Proceed as Planned
HAARETZ: Haaretz cited Israeli officials affirming that the prisoner exchange deal will proceed as scheduled, despite delays in receiving the names of three captives.
Prisoner Exchange Process Begins as Egypt Confirms Palestinian Releases
Jenin Resistance Accuses PA of Breaking Promises
JENIN RESISTANCE: Despite our efforts to ease tensions, the Palestinian Authority (PA) failed to honor agreements. The PA has not lifted the siege on the camp or withdrawn from agreed-upon locations. Arbitrarily detained individuals have not been released, some held without charge for 45 days.
Trump: Netanyahu Must Do What’s Necessary
NBC INTERVIEW WITH DONALD TRUMP:
Hostage releases will happen soon and must proceed.
I told Netanyahu to continue doing what is necessary.
A good government ensures the ceasefire holds.
If respected, the ceasefire will last; if not, chaos will follow.
Netanyahu must end the war but also take the necessary actions.
Islamic Jihad Claims Soldier Sniped in Gaza
AL-QUDS BRIGADES: The Al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for sniping an Israeli soldier east of Gaza City this evening.
Netanyahu: Committed to Achieving War Goals
NETANYAHU:
“We make it clear to the world that when the Israeli people unite, no force can break them.”
“We are determined to complete our mission of bringing back all detainees.”
“Under the agreement, 33 detainees, mostly alive, will be returned.”
“We will continue to meet all war objectives: retrieving detainees and dismantling Hamas.”
General Eiland: Hamas Won, Israel Failed
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Retired Israeli General Giora Eiland, architect of the “Generals’ Plan,” declared that Hamas emerged victorious, and Israel suffered a resounding failure.
Givati Brigade Withdraws from Gaza
CHANNEL 14: After nearly 15 months, the Givati Brigade departed Gaza today. Reports indicate no orders were given for preparations to resume combat.
Ministers Cried During Prisoner Deal Approval
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Several Israeli ministers, government officials, and the government secretary reportedly cried during yesterday’s meeting to approve the prisoner exchange deal. Mossad’s chief described the deal as “terrible but necessary” given Israel’s current situation.
Ben Gvir's Party to Resign from Government
JEWISH POWER PARTY STATEMENT: The “Jewish Power” party, led by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, announced it will resign from the government tomorrow in protest of the recently approved prisoner exchange deal.
JEWISH POWER PARTY STATEMENT: The "Jewish Power" party, led by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, announced it will resign from the government tomorrow in protest of the recently approved prisoner exchange deal. pic.twitter.com/40J7SQQ7SE
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) January 18, 2025
Israeli Army Reinforces West Bank with More Troops
ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: Israeli army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi ordered the deployment of two additional battalions to the West Bank, increasing the total to 20 battalions starting Sunday.
Israel Restricts Celebrations for Freed Prisoners
QNN: Israeli forces raided the home of released prisoner Zeina Barber in Silwan, Jerusalem, warning her family against any celebrations following her release under the exchange deal.
Author of Stabbing Operation Identified
ISRAELI MEDIA: The author of Tel Aviv stabbing operation was identified as Salah Yahya from Tulkarm. He was killed at the scene by an armed settler.
One of Wounded in the Tel Aviv Operation Was Killed
CHANNEL 13: One of the wounded in the stabbing and shooting operation that took place in central Tel Aviv succumbed to his wounds.
Critical Injury in Tel Aviv Shooting
ISRAELI MEDICAL SERVICES: An Israeli sustained severe injuries in a shooting in Tel Aviv. The shooter was killed.
Shooting Operation in Central Tel Aviv
MAARIV:
Injuries reported in a shooting on a central Tel Aviv street.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
Large police forces were called to the scene.
⚡️BREAKKNG:
Three settlers were injured in a stabbing and shooting attack in Tel Aviv. Gunfire is still heard in the area. pic.twitter.com/dYSQuWzH6n
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) January 18, 2025
Prison Authority Seeks to Prevent Celebrations
ISRAELI PRISON SERVICE (via MAARIV):
Awaiting an updated list of 95 security prisoners to be released tomorrow in exchange for three female prisoners.
The Red Cross will not escort prisoners to avoid celebratory displays in Israel.
Israeli Think Tank: Army Exhausted by Futile Tasks
ISRAELI INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES:
The Israeli army was drained by missions that did not impact war-ending conditions.
The ceasefire agreement signals Israel’s inability to destroy Hamas.
Hamas is expected to recover, and its future leadership will emerge from prisons.
Decisions by Netanyahu and the security establishment came at the cost of soldiers’ lives and captives.
Ansarallah: We Stand with Gaza Resistance
ANSARALLAH SPOKESPERSON YAHYA SAREE:
The “Zolfiqar” missile hit its target accurately, a site referred to as the enemy’s defense ministry in Jaffa.
The enemy’s defense systems failed to intercept the missile.
Coordination with Gaza resistance continues to counter breaches during the ceasefire.
Reaffirmed solidarity with Palestinian resistance in Gaza.
⚡️BREAKING:
Explosions reported in central ‘Israel’ following sirens being activated in Tel Aviv and central Israel, West Bank settlements and Jerusalem. The missiles were fired from Yemen. pic.twitter.com/A80XuZ3UxR
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) January 18, 2025
90% of Northern Gaza Homes Destroyed
GAZA CIVIL DEFENSE:
Residents are urged to avoid returning to northern Gaza due to unexploded war remnants.
A resolution to Gaza’s crisis requires an international decision to permanently open all crossings.
Ninety percent of homes in northern Gaza were destroyed partially or completely, posing serious risks.
Israel Failed to Break Gaza’s Resolve
ANADOLU NEWS AGENCY: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed support for Gaza, stating that despite Israeli genocide, the people of Gaza stood firm.
Abu Hamza: Israeli Bombing Injures Captives in Gaza
ABU HAMZA: Israeli bombardments are leading to casualties among Israeli prisoners, and their families should demand an end to the strikes.
Israel Blocks Entrances to Hebron
AL-JAZEERA: Israeli forces closed most of Hebron’s main entrances with concrete barriers, amidst an expansion of operation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Gaza Death Toll Rises
GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: 46,899 Palestinians have been killed, and 110,725 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7, 2023.
Türkiye Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
TURKISH FM: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed joy over the ceasefire and the humanitarian aid reaching Gaza.
Israeli Drone Strikes Injure Several near Nuseirat
Several people were injured in an Israeli drone strike west of Nuseirat.
Hamas: We Forced the Occupation to Halt the Aggression and Withdraw
HAMAS:
We forced the occupation to halt the aggression and withdraw, despite Netanyahu’s attempts to prolong the war and commit massacres.
The occupation failed to achieve its aggressive objectives and only succeeded in committing war crimes that stain humanity.
The Al-Aqsa Flood battle reflected the unity of our great people with their victorious resistance and shattered the enemy’s arrogance.
The blood of our people will not be in vain and will not be forgotten. The enemy’s leaders and soldiers will be pursued and prosecuted, no matter how long it takes.
Hamas: Lists Will Be Published Before Each Exchange Day
HAMAS:
The lists will be published before each exchange day, according to a mechanism agreed upon in the ceasefire terms.
The release of Israeli hostages will depend on the number of Palestinian detainees that Israel will release.
Israeli Army: Intercepted Missile Fired from Yemen
ISRAELI ARMY: The Israeli Air Force claimed to intercept a missile launched from Yemen.
Channel 12: Air Traffic Halted at Ben Gurion Airport
CHANNEL 12: Air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport was suspended after a missile was launched from Yemen. Firefighting teams were dispatched to Be’er Yaakov, south of Tel Aviv, following a fire caused by missile fragments.
ISRAELI EMS: Emergency teams treated several cases of panic and minor injuries from rushing to shelters.
Ben Gvir: Deep Concerns Over Prisoner Swap Deal
ITAMAR BEN GVIR: The Minister of National Security expressed heightened concerns as more details of the prisoner swap emerged.
“This is a dangerous deal, releasing prisoners to Jerusalem and the West Bank. I urge Likud ministers not to support it—it’s not too late,” he stated.
Ben Gvir criticized the deal as surrendering to Hamas and compromising Israeli security, saying it violates the government’s red lines.
Israeli Army: Alarms Sounded Due to Yemen Missile Launch
ISRAELI ARMY: The alarms sounding in central Israel were triggered by a missile launch from Yemen.
ISRAELI ARMY: The alarms sounding in central Israel were triggered by a missile launch from Yemen. pic.twitter.com/EcbR3fF0Xb
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) January 18, 2025
Alarms Sound in Ashdod and Jerusalem Areas
ISRAELI CIVIL DEFENSE: Sirens sounded across northern and eastern Ashdod, as well as in Jerusalem and its western and southern suburbs.
Hezbollah: Resistance and Palestinians Foiled Israel's Plan
NAIM QASSEM:
The Gaza agreement demonstrates the resilience of the resistance, which achieved its goals while Israel did not.
The resistance and Palestinian people thwarted Israel’s dangerous scheme.
NAIM QASSEM:
The Gaza agreement demonstrates the resilience of the resistance, which achieved its goals while Israel did not.
The resistance and Palestinian people thwarted Israel’s dangerous scheme. pic.twitter.com/UJZeGVXzpa
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) January 18, 2025
Channel 13: Prisoner Deal May Harm West Bank Security
CHANNEL 13 ISRAEL:
The National Security Council head warned in a government meeting that the prisoner swap deal might negatively impact West Bank security.
The Security Cabinet made decisions to bolster security in the West Bank, especially in settlements.
Occupation Forces Remove Surveillance Crane Near Jabalia Camp
AL-JAZEERA:
Occupation forces dismantled a surveillance crane near Abu Shrekh Junction west of Jabaliya Camp.
Jabaliya, a stronghold of Palestinian resistance, has been a target for Israel’s military operations aimed at subduing its residents and the resistance.
Maariv: Trump Allies Deliver Troubling Message to Netanyahu
MAARIV: Associates of US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly conveyed a message to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing Trump’s dissatisfaction despite their meetings. Leaks suggest Trump’s team favors a regional peace plan but not with Netanyahu in charge.
Alarms Sound in Almon Settlement Near Ramallah
ISRAELI HOME FRONT COMMAND: Sirens blared in Almon settlement near Ramallah amid fears of an armed infiltration.
Qatari MFA: Gaza Ceasefire Starts 8:30 AM Sunday
QATAR MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
The Gaza ceasefire will begin at 8:30 AM Sunday local time.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and follow official guidance.
Occupation Forces Demolish Homes in Jabaliya
AL-JAZEERA: Israeli forces demolished homes in the heart of the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.
Islamic Jihad Rocket Strikes Nir Am Settlement
ISLAMIC JIHAD: Our fighters launched “Badr-1” rockets at Nir Am settlement near Gaza’s border.
ISLAMIC JIHAD: Our fighters launched "Badr-1" rockets at Nir Am settlement near Gaza’s border. pic.twitter.com/yCiSG5daIK
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) January 18, 2025
Maariv Poll: 73% of Israelis Support Prisoner Swap
MAARIV:
A poll revealed that 73% of Israelis support the prisoner exchange deal, with 19% opposed.
Among opposition supporters, 91% back the deal, compared to only 52% of coalition supporters.
Israel to Release 737 Palestinian Prisoners
ISRAELI MINISTRY OF JUSTICE: Israel will release 737 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the first group of Israeli captives, marking the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Israel May Be Forced to Release 5 High-Profile Palestinians
KAN: Five prominent Palestinian figures will not be released in the first phase of the deal, but Hamas insists on their freedom in subsequent phases.
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