Who Are the Palestinian Prisoners Being Freed by Israel?
As-salamu alaykum, brothers and sisters. Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including political detainees and those who were forcibly disappeared. Many Palestinians gathered in Ramallah with hope and prayers, awaiting the return of their loved ones taken from the West Bank and Gaza.
Among those freed are 96 political prisoners and most Palestinians detained from Gaza during the recent conflicts. This release is part of a prisoner exchange involving both living and deceased Israeli captives held in Gaza.
Since October 7, 2023, over 200 Israelis were captured by Hamas, and 114 have been released in previous swaps for more than 1,200 Palestinian prisoners.
Sadly, even during ceasefires, Israel has continued to arrest Palestinians without charges. The prisoners being released include 250 political detainees serving long or life sentences, mostly from the West Bank and affiliated with groups like Fatah and Hamas.
Additionally, over 1,700 Palestinians who were forcefully disappeared over the past two years in Gaza will be freed, including children and women. Many of these detainees endured harsh conditions and mistreatment in military camps.
Since October 7, thousands more Palestinians, including hundreds of children, have been detained, as Israel increases its crackdown.
Experts warn that many released prisoners risk being re-arrested, as Israel often uses detention as a political tool. Some of those freed will be deported to third countries, with Egypt reportedly involved in this process.
Families in the occupied territories have been warned not to publicly celebrate or raise Palestinian flags, and travel restrictions may prevent reunions with exiled loved ones.
Despite the release, prominent leaders like Marwan Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat remain imprisoned, and others like Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, suffering severe torture, are still held.
We pray that these steps lead to lasting peace and justice for the Palestinian people, and that all those unjustly held find freedom soon, Insha'Allah.
https://www.aljazeera.com/feat