The first group of Palestinian prisoners was released on Saturday from Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank after Hamas freed three hostages. Approximately 40 prisoners were transported by bus to Ramallah from Ofer prison, where Israeli authorities had gathered those to be released under the hostage agreement. Some of the released prisoners were carried aloft by the welcoming crowds.
Hamas has announced that it anticipates Israel to release a total of 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday as part of the ceasefire and hostage deal. The Hamas Prisoners Media Office had previously released a list of the names of those expected to be released. Among the 183 prisoners, 18 are serving life sentences, and 111 were arrested in the Gaza Strip after October 7, 2023. The specific charges against the 111 individuals were not immediately clear.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Affairs Commission and the Palestinian Prisoner Society have both confirmed that a total of 183 prisoners will be released on Saturday. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners and promote peace in the region.
