Israel Frees 183 Palestinian Prisoners Amid Ceasefire Deal as Three Captives Released from Gaza
In a significant development under the ongoing ceasefire agreement, Israel has released 183 Palestinian prisoners, leading to emotional scenes in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. The move comes as Hamas releases three Israeli captives—Keith Siegel, Ofer Kalderon, and Yarden Bibas—in two separate locations in southern and northern Gaza.
Palestinian Prisoners Return Home
The prisoner swap, part of a broader ceasefire deal, saw the freed Palestinians returning home to their families. Many had been held in Israeli prisons under administrative detention, a controversial practice that allows detainees to be held indefinitely without charge or trial. The release was met with celebrations, particularly in the West Bank cities of Ramallah and Nablus, where families and supporters gathered to welcome them.
Rafah Border Crossing Reopens for Medical Evacuations
For the first time in nearly nine months, the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been reopened, allowing severely wounded and sick Palestinian patients to travel for medical treatment. The blockade of Gaza had left hospitals overwhelmed and medical supplies critically low, making this reopening a crucial step for humanitarian relief efforts.
Ongoing Israeli Military Operations in the West Bank
Despite the ceasefire and prisoner exchange, Israeli forces continue large-scale military operations in the occupied West Bank. The Jenin and Tulkarem refugee camps have been key targets, with military raids resulting in the deaths of more than two dozen Palestinians over the past week. Israeli authorities claim the operations are aimed at dismantling militant networks, while Palestinian officials describe them as collective punishment.
Casualty Figures from the War
Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has led to devastating human losses. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 47,487 Palestinians have been killed, and 111,588 wounded in Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, the conflict was triggered by Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,139 people and the taking of over 200 captives.
Ceasefire Deal and Future Prospects
The latest ceasefire and prisoner exchange raise hopes for de-escalation, though the situation remains tense. Mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, continue to work on securing a longer-term agreement, but with ongoing violence in the West Bank and Israeli officials vowing to dismantle Hamas, the future remains uncertain.
Source : Swifteradio.com
