Ninety Palestinians have been released from Israeli prisons, greeted with enthusiasm by large crowds of joyful relatives, friends, and supporters upon their return to the occupied West Bank. This event marks the first prisoner exchange following the recent ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which also involved the release of three Israeli captives in Gaza.
The Palestinian prisoners were transported in Red Cross buses, arriving in Ramallah at approximately 1 AM local time. Despite prior warnings from Israeli forces against public celebrations, thousands of supporters gathered to welcome the released prisoners, showcasing a powerful display of community solidarity.
Among the freed individuals were 69 women and 21 teenage boys, some as young as 12 years old, hailing from various parts of the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem. Notably, Khalida Jarrar, a prominent member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was among those released. Jarrar had been held in solitary confinement for six months under administrative detention, a legal provision allowing the indefinite detention of suspects without charge or trial.
In Ramallah, an outpouring of support was evident as crowds enthusiastically lifted many of the returning prisoners onto their shoulders, celebrating their freedom. Participants waved flags representing various Palestinian political factions, including Fatah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, conveying a strong sense of unity among supporters.
Earlier in the day, three Israeli women in their mid-20s to early 30s were released in Gaza as part of the same arrangement. Bushra al-Tawil, a Palestinian journalist imprisoned in Israel since March 2024, also returned home, expressing relief at her release. Tawil mentioned that she began her journey to freedom early in the morning and emphasized the emotional strain of the wait. She conveyed optimism about the forthcoming release of her father, who is still incarcerated.
Among the jubilant crowd welcoming the freed prisoners was Amanda Abu Sharkh, 23, who expressed the deep emotional connection the community feels towards the released individuals, stating that they all feel like family. Another attendee, Muhammad, who recently experienced his own release from Ofer Prison, conveyed his happiness for the families being reunited, highlighting the widespread impact of imprisonment on innocent lives, particularly children and women.
The prisoner exchange represents a significant moment, as it is the first of its kind since November 2023. While the specific number of Palestinians set to be freed under the ceasefire agreement remains uncertain—estimates suggest anywhere from 1,000 to nearly 2,000—the initial phase anticipates the return of 33 Israeli captives over the next 42 days, with further releases scheduled in the coming weeks.
The ongoing situation highlights the resilience of the Palestinian community amid significant challenges, with more than 46,000 Palestinians reported killed since the conflict escalated on October 7. Amid these hardships, the overwhelming support for the released prisoners reflects a strong sense of identity and solidarity within the Palestinian population.
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