Buses carrying hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas arrived in Gaza and the West Bank on Saturday, drawing large crowds of jubilant supporters.
In Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, a convoy organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross dropped off the freed detainees, who flashed victory signs and waved at the cheering crowd. In the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, another group of released prisoners was met with celebrations as they were lifted onto supporters’ shoulders, embraced by family members, and wrapped in traditional keffiyeh scarves. Some of the freed individuals underwent quick health checkups upon arrival, according to eyewitnesses.
Many in the Ramallah crowd carried the yellow flags of the Palestinian Authority’s Fatah party, while one prisoner kissed a baby as he stepped off the bus, symbolizing an emotional reunion after prolonged detention. Unlike previous releases, the prisoners were seen wearing jackets instead of their usual prison uniforms.
Earlier in the day, Israeli public television broadcast images of the prisoners before their release, showing them wearing sweatshirts marked with the Israeli prison service logo, a Star of David, and the slogan: “We will not forget and we will not forgive.”
Prisoner Exchange Under Ceasefire Agreement
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, an advocacy group, reported that Israel had freed 369 Palestinian inmates in the latest exchange, which took place in return for three Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023.
The release came amid heightened tensions in the ceasefire deal, with Israel warning Hamas that it must continue releasing hostages or risk a renewed military offensive. Hamas had briefly paused the releases, citing what it claimed were Israeli violations of the truce agreement.
This exchange marks another phase in ongoing negotiations mediated by international actors, as both sides navigate the fragile ceasefire while pressure mounts for a longer-term resolution to the conflict.
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