Palestinian Prisoner Releases In Exchange For Israeli Hostages

Demonstrators protest calling for the immediate release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners on Thursday in exchange for three Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Five Thai workers held captive in the enclave were also freed in a separate deal with Thailand. This prisoner-for-hostage swap marked the third round of exchanges as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas entered its second week.

Most of the released prisoners were reunited with their loved ones in the occupied West Bank, where U.N. data indicates that one in five Palestinians has been through Israeli jail, making the release of prisoners a cause for national celebration. However, 23 prisoners serving life sentences for more serious crimes were transferred to Egypt for further deportation.

The prisoners released on Thursday were all men, ranging in age from 15 to 69. Here are some prominent Palestinian prisoners who were released since the ceasefire deal went into effect on Jan. 19:

Most prisoners reunited with families in the West Bank; 23 transferred to Egypt.

110 Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for Israeli hostages and Thai workers.

Prisoners ranged from 15 to 69 years old, including prominent figures like Zakaria Zubeidi.

Zubeidi, a former militant leader, gained fame for a dramatic jailbreak in 2021.

Mohammed Abu Warda and Mohammed Aradeh were involved in militant activities during the second intifada.

Three Hamas members responsible for deadly attacks were transferred to Egypt.

The Abu Hamid brothers, known for militant attacks, were also deported to Egypt.

Mohammad al-Tous, an activist in Fatah, spent 39 years in prison and was exiled to Egypt.

Prisoner releases celebrated in the West Bank, where many Palestinians have been through Israeli jails.

Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas facilitated the prisoner-for-hostage swap.

Zakaria Zubeidi: Zubeidi, a former militant leader and theater director, gained fame for his dramatic jailbreak in 2021. He once led the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, carrying out attacks against Israelis during the second intifada. Zubeidi co-founded a theater in Jenin refugee camp to promote cultural resistance to Israel.

Mohammed Abu Warda: A Hamas militant during the second intifada, Warda was involved in organizing suicide bombings that killed over 40 people. He was sentenced to 48 terms of lifetime imprisonment by Israel.

Mohammed Aradeh: An activist in Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Aradeh was sentenced to life in prison for various offenses dating back to the second intifada. He was credited with plotting the 2021 prison escape.

Mohammed Odeh, Wael Qassim, and Wissam Abbasi: These three men from Hamas were responsible for deadly attacks during the second intifada. They were transferred to Egypt last Saturday.

The Abu Hamid brothers: Three brothers from the Abu Hamid family were deported to Egypt. They had been sentenced to life in prison for militant attacks against Israelis in 2002.

Mohammad al-Tous: Al-Tous, an activist in the Fatah party, spent a total of 39 years behind bars. Originally from Bethlehem, he was among the prisoners exiled to Egypt.