Amman: Israeli occupation authorities Monday released 83 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences from a West Bank detention center, part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The release marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to ease tensions between the two parties.
According to Jordan News Agency, the International Committee of the Red Cross earlier confirmed it received 20 Israeli hostages after their release by Hamas in the Gaza Strip in two groups, and handed them over to Israeli occupation authorities. This exchange is part of the broader ceasefire deal aimed at de-escalating the conflict in the region.
The Palestinian Prisoners' Club reported that Israeli forces fired tear gas and stun grenades against families of prisoners gathered outside Ofer prison, west of Ramallah, who were there to welcome their loved ones after their release. The scene was tense as families awaited the return of those who had been detained.
As part of the same phase of the agreement, the Israeli military released the second batch of Palestinian detainees from the Gaza Strip held at Ketziot jail in the Negev. Hundreds of detainees were transferred in 38 buses with 10 ambulances to Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis. Upon arrival, they were welcomed by families and crowds, with many taken for medical tests and treatment to ensure their well-being after detention.
The second batch includes 154 prisoners with life or high terms, who will be transferred from the Gaza Strip to Egypt. Additionally, 1,718 detainees from Gaza, who were arrested after the October 7, 2023 war, are part of this release process, highlighting the large scale of the prisoner exchange under the ceasefire agreement.