Israel Frees Nearly 2,000 Palestinian Detainees in Exchange for Hostages

Israel has confirmed the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees as part of the current hostage exchange agreement brokered by the United States. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson verified on Monday that all Palestinian prisoners designated for release under the framework of the deal have now been freed from Israeli custody.

Dependable NG reports that this extensive group comprises approximately 250 individuals who were convicted of terror-related offenses and were serving one or more life sentences. The remainder of the group, about 1,718 people, consists of Gazan detainees who were arrested during the course of the recent conflict.

While Israeli officials had initially stated the releases would not occur until all Israeli hostages were confirmed safe, the government made the strategic decision to move forward ahead of schedule. This means the Palestinian prisoners were freed before Hamas transferred the bodies of 28 Israeli hostages who are believed to have died while in captivity.

Footage circulating in Palestinian media showed convoys of buses carrying the released detainees arriving in the city of Ramallah. Palestinian Authority security forces were visible, working to clear public roads to ensure smooth passage for the convoys.

Israeli authorities have indicated that the freed prisoners will either be repatriated to Gaza or the West Bank, or be subject to deportation abroad, depending on their original place of residence. Sources from the Palestinian side noted that 88 detainees were specifically released to the West Bank and East Jerusalem during this phase of the deal.

This process marks one of the most significant prisoner exchanges in Israel’s history. However, both parties have acknowledged that the entire hostage swap process is yet to be completed, with US-led negotiations continuing to address the outstanding issues.