Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday as part of a ceasefire exchange for Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The release is part of a ceasefire that has paused the war but whose future remains uncertain.
Israel considers the prisoners as terrorists, while Palestinians view them as freedom fighters resisting a decadeslong military occupation. Many Palestinians have friends or family members who have been jailed by Israel for various reasons, including militant attacks or lesser offenses such as rock-throwing or protesting.
Some prisoners are held for months or years without trial in administrative detention, which Israel says is necessary to prevent attacks and protect sensitive intelligence.
Eighteen of the released prisoners had been sentenced to life, and 54 were serving long sentences for their involvement in deadly attacks against Israelis. Some had been in jail for two decades.
In the West Bank town of Beitunia, released prisoners were greeted as heroes by cheering crowds waving flags and chanting support for Hamas. Families tearfully welcomed their loved ones back home.
Among the prominent prisoners released was Iyad Abu Shakhdam, who had been sentenced to the equivalent of 18 life sentences for his involvement in Hamas attacks during the second intifada. Abu Shakhdam expressed relief and defiance upon his release, stating his unwavering belief in eventual freedom.
Another notable release was Jamal al-Tawil, a Hamas politician who had spent nearly two decades in and out of Israeli prisons. Al-Tawil had faced allegations of involvement in violent activities and had gone on a hunger strike to protest his administrative detention.
Mohammed el-Halabi, the Palestinian manager of the Gaza branch of World Vision, was also released after being accused of diverting funds to Hamas. Independent investigations found no proof of wrongdoing, but el-Halabi was sentenced to 12 years in prison without a fair trial.
These releases are part of the ongoing efforts to maintain the ceasefire agreement and bring about peace in the region. The exchange of prisoners is a significant step towards building trust and fostering dialogue between the conflicting parties.
