In a recent exchange, Israel released 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange for Israeli hostages captured by Hamas. The move comes as a fragile ceasefire holds, with nearly every Palestinian having a friend or family member who has been jailed by Israel for militant attacks or lesser offenses.
Israel views the prisoners as terrorists, but Palestinians often see them as freedom fighters resisting a decades-long Israeli military occupation. Among those released, 36 had been sentenced to life for involvement in deadly attacks against Israelis, while 12 were allowed to return home in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem.
Prominent prisoners released include Ahmed Barghouti, who was given 13 life sentences for dispatching assailants to carry out attacks that killed Israeli civilians during the second intifada. Another notable release is The Sarahneh brothers, who spent over 22 years in prison for their involvement in suicide bombings that killed Israelis.
The releases come as part of a larger deal, with Israel committing to release more than 1,000 Palestinians detained in Gaza without trial. The move has sparked both joy and concern among Palestinians, with many expressing relief at the early release of some prisoners but also highlighting concerns about those who remain behind bars.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-prisoner-release-hamas-ceasefire-hostage-3a20774bb4b519e852273ec559687b3b