Israel Initiates Release of 200 Palestinian Inmates
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Synopsis
The Israeli government has released 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of the second phase of a prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas. The operation involved coordination with the ICRC, with some prisoners being deported abroad while others return to Gaza and the West Bank.
Key Takeaways
- 200 Palestinian prisoners released.
- Part of a prisoner exchange with Hamas.
- Coordinated by Palestinian officials and ICRC.
- Some prisoners headed to Gaza via Kerem Shalom crossing.
- 70 prisoners will be deported abroad.
Ramallah/Cairo, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Israeli government on Saturday executed the release of 200 Palestinian inmates as part of the second phase of a prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas.
Abdullah Zaghari, the leader of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, indicated that the prisoners were transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Some of the inmates were set free in the West Bank from Ofer Prison, while others, destined for Gaza or deportation abroad, were released from Negev Prison in southern Israel.
Coordination for the release was carried out by Palestinian officials in the Ramallah Governorate.
Eyewitnesses reported that the prisoners were received from the ICRC at a medical facility in Ramallah, where Palestinian security forces had been stationed in anticipation of the release.
Among those freed, 16 made their way to Gaza. Sources from Palestinian security and eyewitnesses informed Xinhua news agency that the prisoners entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing located southeast of the strip.
The Palestinian Prisoners' Affairs Authority revealed that the group of 200 included 121 inmates who were serving life sentences and 79 others with extended sentences.
In addition, 70 inmates will be deported overseas, with Turkey, Tunisia, and Algeria agreeing to accept some, while others will remain in Egypt.
An Egyptian source disclosed that authorities are preparing to accommodate the prisoners at the Rafah crossing.
This release of Palestinian inmates followed the earlier return of four Israeli female soldiers, who were previously held in Gaza and arrived at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, via two helicopters.
Meanwhile, a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office indicated that Israel would not permit Palestinian residents to return to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip for the time being.
The restriction will remain until the release of Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud, who was expected to be freed on Saturday but was not among the four Israelis released by Hamas.
Many residents of the northern Gaza Strip had to evacuate their homes during the conflict and have relocated to temporary accommodations in the south.
They are anticipated to return home in accordance with the ceasefire-hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The statement also noted that Yehud's liberation in the second exchange of hostages and Palestinian inmates was part of the arrangement that took effect last week.
