Newly released Palestinian prisoners returning to Khan Younis in southern Gaza expressed defiance and hope this week, vowing to rebuild their homeland despite widespread destruction. "We feel that we are returning to life, ready to rebuild Gaza again," one former detainee told CGTN after arriving under a landmark Israel-Hamas prisoner exchange agreement.
The releases came as part of a temporary ceasefire deal finalized Monday, which saw Israel transfer 1,968 Palestinian prisoners and detainees according to the Israeli Prison Service. In exchange, Hamas released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages captured during recent hostilities.
While infrastructure across Gaza lies in ruins, returnees emphasized resilience. "The destruction of buildings cannot break our spirit," said another released prisoner, echoing sentiments heard among crowds reuniting with families. Analysts suggest the prisoner swap could create momentum for extended humanitarian pauses, though reconstruction challenges remain immense given ongoing blockades and resource shortages.
The deal marks one of the largest prisoner exchanges in recent years, drawing international attention to Gaza's humanitarian crisis. As displaced families begin returning to damaged neighborhoods, questions persist about long-term stability in the region.
