In a significant development, 39 Palestinian detainees have been released from Israeli prisons as part of a deal mediated by Qatar. The exchange includes a four-day pause in the ongoing conflict. The detainees, accused of offenses ranging from throwing stones to attempted murder, were selected from a list of 300 women and minors compiled by Israel.
The group, comprising 24 women and 15 teenage boys, was released across the Beituniya checkpoint in the occupied West Bank, after which they will be allowed to return home, according to Israel’s prison service. Less than a quarter of those on the list have been convicted, with the majority held on remand while awaiting trial. Notably, 40% of those listed are teenage boys, with one teenage girl and 32 women.
The release took place amidst a tense atmosphere near the Beituniya checkpoint, where clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and the Israeli army occurred. Tear gas and rubber bullets were used by the army to disperse the crowd, while some protesters responded by throwing stones and tear gas canisters.
The prisoners’ release was met with jubilation among Palestinian supporters. As the bus carrying the detainees moved through the crowd, some prisoners were seen dancing, with one wrapped in a Palestinian flag. The event marked a small moment of victory for Palestinian unity in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
As part of the truce deal, Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages, who have since arrived back in Israel. Additionally, a separate release involving Thai nationals held by Hamas in Gaza was confirmed by the Thai prime minister. The overall agreement aims to release 150 Palestinians held in Israeli jails, with a concurrent increase in humanitarian aid entering Gaza. On Friday, 60 lorries carrying medical supplies, fuel, and food entered Gaza from Egypt.
Hamas had taken over 200 hostages during a cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the increasing number of Palestinians held without charge in Israeli jails, surpassing 6,000 individuals on security grounds, with many still awaiting trial. The release of prisoners remains a contentious issue, symbolizing differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Source -BBC
