620 Palestinian Prisoners Freed from Israeli Jails
Ramallah, 27 February – (PIC): The Palestinian Prisoners Media Office has announced that 620 Palestinian prisoners were released on Thursday morning as part of the seventh batch of the “Storm of the Free” first phase.
According to the statement, 151 prisoners who were serving life sentences and long-term punishments were among those freed. Additionally, 43 prisoners from Jerusalem and the West Bank were released, while 97 prisoners will be exiled as per the agreement.
This batch also includes 24 women and children, along with 445 prisoners from Gaza who were arrested after October 7.
It has been noted that a second batch of women and child prisoners from Gaza will be released at a later stage.
A Hamas source stated that among the freed Palestinian prisoners, there are 445 men, 24 women, and minors who were arrested from Gaza. Additionally, 151 other prisoners were serving life sentences for allegedly killing Israelis.
Earlier, live footage showed a bus carrying some released prisoners leaving Israel’s Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank and arriving in Ramallah.
As the prisoners stepped off the bus, hundreds of people gathered around them, cheering and celebrating. Some of the freed prisoners were lifted onto the shoulders of the crowd in joy and victory.
In this context, 42-year-old Palestinian Bilal Yaseen told Reuters that he spent 20 years in Israeli prisons. He added that during this time, he faced mistreatment and harsh conditions.
As part of the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire agreement, which is set to end next week, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are being released in exchange for 33 Israeli detainees.
However, after this 42-day phase ends, it is unclear whether an extension will be granted to secure the release of the remaining 59 Israeli captives, or if negotiations for the second phase of the deal will begin.
After the release of Palestinian prisoners, celebrations erupted in the West Bank and other areas. However, the Israeli occupation forces raided the homes of freed prisoners in the West Bank, attempting to suppress the celebrations and prevent families from rejoicing.
