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90 Palestinians Freed in First Hamas-Israel Prisoner Exchange of Ceasefire Deal
90 Palestinian prisoners, including women & children, were freed in Ramallah amid jubilant crowds, marking the first exchange post-Hamas-Israel ceasefire.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-20
90 Palestinians Freed in First Hamas-Israel Prisoner Exchange of Ceasefire Deal

90 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli jails early on Monday morning. Their return to the occupied West Bank was met with celebrations by large crowds of family members, friends, and supporters.

The prisoners, including 69 women and 21 teenage boys, were transported by Red Cross buses and arrived in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank around 1am local time. Despite Israeli warnings against public celebrations, thousands gathered to welcome them home in an emotional display of solidarity.

Among those released was Khalida Jarrar, 62, a prominent member of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who had been held in solitary confinement for six months under Israel’s controversial “administrative detention” policy. This policy allows Israeli authorities to imprison individuals indefinitely without charge or trial. Other notable prisoners included journalist Bushra al-Tawil, arrested earlier in 2024, who shared her experience of the grueling wait for release.

The prisoners’ return marked the first phase of a broader prisoner exchange agreement, with Hamas returning a total of 33 Israeli captives. The release of the Palestinians is part of a larger ceasefire agreement, with the full number of prisoners expected to range from 1,000 to 2,000. Further exchanges are anticipated in the coming weeks.

A Nation Reunited in Joy
The scene in Ramallah was one of jubilation as freed prisoners were greeted with cheers and emotional embraces. Some of the freed prisoners were lifted onto the shoulders of their supporters, while others carried flags representing various Palestinian resistance groups, including Fatah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

“I feel like I’m part of the family for all those being released today,” said Amanda Abu Sharkh, 23, a Ramallah resident who attended the celebration. “They’re all part of us, even if not blood relatives.”

Ceasefire Progress and Ongoing Negotiations
This prisoner exchange is the first of its kind since November 2023, and while it represents a moment of relief for many, the larger situation remains dire. Since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, with nearly 90% of Gaza’s population forcibly displaced by Israeli evacuations and attacks.

The next stage of the ceasefire negotiations is expected to begin in two weeks, with further exchanges of prisoners planned, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the ongoing tragedy.

 
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