Hundreds of freed Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been welcomed with tears and screams of joy as they were released by Israel to be reunited with their families in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The release involved about 250 prisoners, including those convicted of serious crimes such as murder, and about 1,700 detainees held without charge. As the prisoners exited a Red Cross bus in Ramallah, many were dressed in traditional Keffiyeh scarves, appearing pale and gaunt, with some struggling to walk. Their freedom came as part of an exchange deal where 20 Israeli hostages and the remains of four deceased hostages were handed over by Hamas.
Amro Abdullah, who awaited his cousin's release, expressed a deep yearning for peace. I want to live a happy life, safe and peaceful, without occupation and without restrictions, he stated. It is believed that around 100 of the released prisoners returned to the West Bank, while many others were deported or freed in East Jerusalem.
In Gaza, families gathered at Nasser Hospital in anticipation of reuniting with their loved ones, with some describing the day as a national holiday despite the surroundings of war. This is a very beautiful feeling - happy, a day of joy, said Muhammad Hasan Saeed Dawood, awaiting his son's return.
Medics expressed the emotional weight of the occasion, as many prisoners reportedly faced mistreatment in Israeli facilities. Some families expressed reluctance to speak to the media due to Israeli military warnings.
The prisoner exchange aims to facilitate dialogue for a more lasting peace following significant conflict that has resulted in extensive loss of life on both sides. Amid this backdrop, hopes for a peaceful future persist among many Palestinian families.
Amro Abdullah, who awaited his cousin's release, expressed a deep yearning for peace. I want to live a happy life, safe and peaceful, without occupation and without restrictions, he stated. It is believed that around 100 of the released prisoners returned to the West Bank, while many others were deported or freed in East Jerusalem.
In Gaza, families gathered at Nasser Hospital in anticipation of reuniting with their loved ones, with some describing the day as a national holiday despite the surroundings of war. This is a very beautiful feeling - happy, a day of joy, said Muhammad Hasan Saeed Dawood, awaiting his son's return.
Medics expressed the emotional weight of the occasion, as many prisoners reportedly faced mistreatment in Israeli facilities. Some families expressed reluctance to speak to the media due to Israeli military warnings.
The prisoner exchange aims to facilitate dialogue for a more lasting peace following significant conflict that has resulted in extensive loss of life on both sides. Amid this backdrop, hopes for a peaceful future persist among many Palestinian families.
