90 Palestinian Prisoners Released in Initial Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Deal

As part of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, 90 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and children, were freed on Monday. The Israel Prison Service confirmed their release from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank, with buses transporting them to the towns of Beitunia and Ramallah, where large crowds celebrated their return.

Waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans, jubilant supporters filled the streets. Freed prisoners, including prominent politician Khalida Jarrar of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), were seen smiling and flashing victory signs. Jarrar, previously imprisoned for alleged “incitement” over her criticism of the Israeli occupation, was among the women released.

The prisoners also included children, some held under administrative detention—a policy allowing indefinite imprisonment without trial or charges. Many of these children were detained for throwing stones at Israeli soldiers.

This initial release is part of a broader agreement in which 737 Palestinian prisoners are expected to gain freedom during the first 42 days of the ceasefire. Notably, more than 230 of these individuals may face immediate exile, according to AFP reports.

Simultaneously, Hamas confirmed the release of three Israeli captives—Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—who were transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and subsequently to Israeli forces. This exchange marks the first of 33 Israeli captives that Hamas has pledged to release during the agreement’s initial phase.

The deal also includes provisions for the release of foreign captives, including Americans, and extends over several weeks, with additional captives to be freed in subsequent stages. This development represents a pivotal moment in the ceasefire, offering a temporary reprieve from months of intense conflict.