Israel Initiates Release of Hundreds of Palestinian Detainees
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Synopsis
On Feb 27, Israeli authorities started the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners from jails as part of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, marking a significant phase in the ongoing negotiations supported by Egypt, Qatar, and the USA.
Key Takeaways
- Over 600 Palestinian prisoners released.
- Part of a ceasefire deal facilitated by Egypt and Qatar.
- Largest release under the current agreement.
- Involves prisoners from Gaza and the West Bank.
- Hamas prioritized prisoner exchanges in negotiations.
Gaza, Feb 27 (NationPress) On Thursday, Israeli officials commenced the release of over 600 Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons, aligning with the ceasefire agreement established between Hamas and Israel, as reported by Palestinian sources.
Sources from Palestine informed Xinhua news agency that buses transporting the detainees departed from Ofer Prison located in the central West Bank, en route to a reception center in the Beitunia region.
The Prisoners' Information Office, associated with Hamas, indicated that the seventh and eighth groups of prisoner releases were consolidated, resulting in a total of 642 detainees being freed, according to Xinhua.
This release marks the initial phase of a deal facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, with backing from the United States. Hamas characterized this event as the largest release under the ceasefire terms to date.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated in a press release, "We are witnessing a significant achievement for the Palestinian people with the release of the seventh and eighth batches of prisoners, which is the largest thus far within the ceasefire agreement arrangements."
He also emphasized that Hamas prioritizes the liberation of Palestinian prisoners in any exchange agreement. Furthermore, he noted that the group had acknowledged mediators' requests regarding new methods for the exchange of bodies, ensuring Israel's adherence to the process.
On Tuesday, Hamas announced it had settled a disagreement regarding the delayed release of Palestinian prisoners, which was initially set for last Saturday. This resolution followed discussions between a Hamas delegation and Egyptian officials in Cairo.
The delay arose after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought guarantees from mediators that there would be no recurrence of what he termed "provocative military parades" organized by Hamas during previous transfer operations, which he viewed as "disrespectful to the rights of Israeli hostages."
Hamas transferred the remains of four Israeli hostages held in Gaza to the Red Cross early Thursday as part of a swap for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners amidst an ongoing ceasefire, as reported by Israel's state-owned Kan broadcaster, citing an Israeli official.
The four individuals include Shlomo Mantzur, 86, the oldest hostage, along with Tsahi Idan, 50, Ohad Yahalomi, 50, and Itzik Elgarat, 69. They were captured during the Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023.
The Red Cross is currently on its way to the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip to deliver the remains to Israeli forces, according to Kan.
Israeli officials reported to Xinhua on Thursday that approximately half of the Palestinian detainees would be released ten minutes after the Red Cross handed over the remains to the Israeli military at the Kerem Shalom crossing, while the others would be freed after the identification of the bodies was completed.
As per a statement from Hamas's Media Office, 620 detainees are slated for release from Israeli prisons, including 151 sentenced to life imprisonment. This represents the largest group of Palestinians freed in the initial phase of the agreement. Among those released, 445 are Gazans who were arrested following the outbreak of war, and 11 were detained before the conflict began. Additionally, 24 women and minors from Gaza will be released, with a total of 43 prisoners being released to the Israeli-governed West Bank and East Jerusalem, while 97 will be deported abroad.
