Palestinians in Gaza are rejoicing amidst the wreckage following Israel’s release of nearly 2,000 prisoners in exchange for the freeing of hostages by Hamas. The ceasefire agreement has brought joy and reunions with families for many released prisoners, though some now confront the prospect of exile.
One former captive revealed the harsh conditions he endured, losing over 59kg during his time in captivity. Kamal Abu Shana, 51, from Tulkarem in the West Bank, described his experience as a harrowing journey marked by hunger, mistreatment, oppression, torture, and unimaginable suffering.
Upon their release, two buses carrying prisoners arrived in the Israeli-occupied town of Beitunia, where the newly freed men, sporting freshly shaved heads, emerged from the buses displaying V-for-victory signs. The scene was a mix of jubilation and exhaustion as some were lifted onto the shoulders of the crowd while others sat down, drained from the ordeal.
The prisoner releases hold significant emotional weight for both Israelis and Palestinians. For Israel, the releases are painful as some of the freed individuals were convicted for fatal attacks on civilians and soldiers. Conversely, for Palestinians, the issue of prisoners is deeply politicized, with almost every Palestinian having a connection to someone incarcerated by Israel, particularly young men.
Many Palestinians view the prisoners as freedom fighters resisting the prolonged Israeli military occupation. Previous exchanges between the two sides have been carefully managed to control the narrative, including the images, attire, and ceremonies involved due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Among the released prisoners are around 1,700 Palestinians who were captured by Israeli forces from Gaza during the conflict and detained without formal charges. The group also includes 250 individuals serving sentences, predominantly for murder and terrorism-related offenses against Israelis spanning decades, with the longest-serving prisoner having been incarcerated for almost 40 years.
The return of detainees to Gaza was met with large crowds eagerly awaiting their arrival at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. While some of the convicted Palestinians will be returning to the West Bank or east Jerusalem, the majority will either go to Gaza or face exile abroad.
The rapid developments following the ceasefire agreement led to last-minute uncertainties regarding the identities of those to be released. Although Israel initially disclosed a list of approximately 250 prisoners to be freed, Hamas later presented a list of over 1,900 detainees set for release, a list not yet confirmed by Israel.
The situation has highlighted ongoing concerns about the treatment of detainees, particularly in Gaza, where reports of abuse, inadequate food, and poor conditions persist. Israel asserts that it adheres to legal standards in its prisons and investigates any allegations of misconduct.
The release of prisoners includes individuals affiliated with various political groups, with many having been detained during the Second Intifada, a violent Palestinian uprising that erupted in the early 2000s. The convoluted legal processes, including military trials and administrative detention, have drawn criticism for lacking due process and transparency.
Notably, prominent figures such as Marwan Barghouti, Hassan Salameh, Ahmed Saadat, and Abbas Al-Sayyed are not on the current release list. Barghouti, in particular, is seen as a potential successor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
