90 Palestinian prisoners released in first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal

In the early hours of Monday, Israeli authorities released 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, following the release of three Israeli captives from Gaza.

The release began with buses departing Israel’s Ofer prison, as reported by Al Jazeera Arabic. Before their release, detainees were transported to a military facility in the occupied West Bank, where medical and identity checks were conducted under the supervision of Israeli security forces and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Among the released individuals were 78 Palestinians from the occupied West Bank, who were taken to the Beitunia checkpoint near Ofer prison.

Additionally, 12 Palestinians from occupied East Jerusalem were returned to their city and released to their homes after a brief detention at the Russian Compound.

The group included 62 women, among whom one was a minor. The release also saw the freedom of 28 men, including eight minors. This exchange aligns with the agreement stipulating the release of 30 Palestinian women and children for every female Israeli civilian captive freed.

Unlike prior prisoner exchanges, Israeli authorities implemented stringent security protocols to prevent public celebrations.

Israeli police reportedly stormed the homes of some released Palestinian women in Jerusalem, issuing warnings against celebrations or raising Palestinian flags, with threats of release cancellations.

Gatherings were restricted to immediate family members, and released prisoners were transported in buses with blacked-out windows to prevent photographs.

Despite the strict measures, hundreds of Palestinians gathered to welcome the released detainees, expressing joy and solidarity in the early hours of Monday morning.

The release marks a significant step in the ongoing implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, highlighting the challenges and tensions accompanying such exchanges.