Palestinian Prisoners Freed in Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Over 200 Palestinians were released from Israeli jails as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement, with Hamas releasing four female Israeli soldiers in exchange. Israel’s prison service confirmed the release on Saturday, revealing that 121 prisoners had been serving life sentences for killing Israelis and the rest were held without charge.
Upon their release, the prisoners underwent medical examinations by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Out of the 208 freed captives, 128 were returned to their homes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The remaining 80 were deported, with Egypt accepting 70.
Scenes of jubilation unfolded upon their arrival in Ramallah, with crowds cheering as prisoners disembarked from buses. Gunmen marched ahead while onlookers waved flags from various militant groups like Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Fatah, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Released prisoners were carried aloft by well-wishers as they navigated through the enthusiastic crowd.
Earlier in the day, Hamas presented the four Israeli soldiers on a stage in Gaza City before ICRC officials arrived to facilitate their handover. The soldiers were then transferred to Red Cross vehicles and driven away, with plans to take them to an army medical facility for initial checkups before reuniting with their families at a hospital.
The prisoner exchange marked a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups, particularly Hamas, who controls Gaza.