1,968 Palestinian prisoners freed in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages
GAZA, ( Web News )
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel has released 1,968 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. According to the Israeli Prison Service, the detainees were freed in two groups. One group was transferred from Ofer Prison to other parts of the occupied West Bank, while the second group was moved from Ketziot Prison to Kerem Shalom in southern Israel — one of the main border crossings into Gaza.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Ministry of Health in Gaza, administered by Hamas, stated that the freed Palestinians are currently receiving medical assistance in Gaza. Nearly 2,000 prisoners were released today.
The statement added that Israeli prison officers, with the help of police, escorted the detainees. Thirty-eight buses carrying the prisoners arrived in Gaza from Israel. According to the Palestinian Information Center, the buses carrying the released detainees under the “Storm of Al-Aqsa Prisoners” agreement left the prison compound under tight security. Some of the prisoners were taken to Gaza, while others will be sent outside Palestinian territories at a later stage as per the agreement. Among those released are five Palestinians from occupied Jerusalem, who were transported to the city in shackles in Israeli intelligence vehicles.
On Monday morning, as a large number of Palestinians gathered near Ofer Prison to welcome the released prisoners, Israeli occupation forces opened fire and fired tear gas shells at them.
Eyewitnesses reported that the occupation forces fired bullets and tear gas from behind the separation wall, causing several Palestinians to suffer breathing difficulties and suffocation. The injured received first aid at the scene.
According to the agreement, Israel will release a total of 250 long-term and life-sentenced prisoners, in addition to 1,718 Palestinians who were detained after October 8, 2023 — the start of the war on Gaza.
Earlier, Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages alive. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the release and said all 20 hostages were taken to Israeli hospitals for medical examinations. According to the Israeli state broadcaster, Hamas handed over the hostages to representatives of the Red Cross in Gaza on Monday.
The report stated that the hostages were freed in two stages. In the second phase, 13 hostages were transferred to the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. The IDF said all 20 hostages were airlifted to hospitals by helicopter. Their initial medical assessments have been completed, and they have now reunited with their families. They will continue receiving medical care.