Ramallah, January 20
Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners early Monday under a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. A few hours before this, on Sunday, Hamas handed over three female prisoners to Israel. The next release of captives and prisoners will be on Saturday. Within the next two weeks, the second phase of the ceasefire agreement will begin, which is expected to be a more challenging period.
As soon as the Palestinian prisoners were brought out of the prison in big white buses, people let off fireworks in joy. Crowds of Palestinians gathered around the buses and chanted slogans. Many people boarded buses and waved three Hamas flags. According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authority’s Prisoner Affairs Commission, those released include women and minors. Israel detained him on charges of endangering the country’s security. These people had serious charges ranging from stone pelting to attempted murder. The West Bank is occupied by Israel and the army has asked people not to celebrate in public. The prisoners were released after midnight on Sunday, which was criticized by the Palestinians. Khalida Jarrar (62), who is a key member of the organization working for the freedom of Palestine, is also included in the released prisoners. – Ap