In the early hours of Monday, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison, located west of Ramallah in the West Bank. This significant development came just hours after three Israeli hostages returned to Israel following their release from Hamas captivity in Gaza.
Eyewitnesses and local Palestinian sources reported that several buses departed from Ofer Prison at 1 a.m. after issues related to verifying the list of names were resolved. The Hamas-affiliated Prisoners’ Media Office confirmed that the release process had commenced following an agreement on the lists.
A statement indicated that buses from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) transported the prisoners, which included both men and women, to areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
Hundreds of Palestinians, including families of the prisoners, gathered near the prison to welcome the released individuals. The atmosphere was filled with emotion as loved ones reunited after periods of separation.
However, the area around the prison witnessed heightened tension. Several journalists and Palestinian citizens were reportedly assaulted by Israeli forces, who used tear gas to disperse the assembled crowd.
Among the 90 released prisoners were women from East Jerusalem and minors under the age of 18. Their release is seen as a significant gesture in the context of the ongoing ceasefire.
This prisoner release is part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that took effect on Sunday. The agreement aims to de-escalate tensions and foster a path toward lasting peace in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
