Israel has released over 640 Palestinian prisoners as part of an exchange for four Israeli hostages, following delays from Prime Minister Netanyahu. Many released prisoners enter Gaza in dire health conditions, with severe allegations of torture cited. In parallel, negotiations continue between Hamas and Israel regarding further releases and ongoing ceasefire terms, amidst ongoing Israeli military actions in Palestinian territories.
In a significant development amidst the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, Israel released over 640 Palestinian prisoners today in exchange for the remains of four Israeli hostages. This release, initially scheduled for last Saturday, faced delays due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s concerns regarding Hamas’ treatment of the hostages during their release ceremonies. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that more than 400 of the freed prisoners have arrived in Gaza, with many receiving medical care at the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis.
According to Saleh Al-Hams, the nursing director at the hospital, the condition of the released prisoners is dire. Many are severely emaciated, with some unable to walk due to the extensive torture and beatings they experienced while incarcerated in Israeli prisons. This situation highlights the serious allegations of human rights abuses faced by Palestinian prisoners.
On the ground in Ramallah, families gathered to welcome back 37 of the freed prisoners, celebrating at the Ramallah Cultural Palace and Mahmoud Darwish Museum Square. Concurrently, 97 prisoners have been moved to Egypt while awaiting potential resettlement in other countries. Notably, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported receiving one prisoner who was in a coma and subsequently transferred him to a hospital in the West Bank for urgent medical care.
In a statement via their Telegram channel, Hamas claimed that Israeli efforts to delay prisoner releases were unsuccessful. They emphasized that Israel must honor its agreements, with the mediating roles of Egypt and Qatar also acknowledged. The group reiterated that the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza will depend on ongoing negotiations and adherence to ceasefire terms.
Hamas affirmed its commitment to the truce and expressed readiness to commence further negotiations. In a related note, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club advocacy group indicated that Israel is set to release an additional 46 prisoners, all women and minors, from Gaza. Despite these developments, Israeli military actions continue, with reports of recent raids and destruction in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, reflecting Israel’s ongoing policies regarding Palestinian displacement.
The release of over 640 Palestinian prisoners by Israel in exchange for Israeli hostages marks a significant moment amid ongoing tensions. While the health of the released prisoners raises serious concerns regarding human rights in Israeli detention facilities, both Hamas and Israel continue to engage in negotiations surrounding the ceasefire. Despite this, Israeli military actions against Palestinian territories indicate sustained conflict.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
