183 Palestinian detainees released in fourth exchange batch
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The Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs has reported that the latest release includes 39 detainees from Gaza, 32 from the occupied West Bank, and one detainee deported to Egypt.
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A Palestinian detainee is helped to exit a Red Cross bus after being released from Israeli prisons in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on Saturday, February 1, 2025. (AP)
The Israeli occupation released a group of Palestinian detainees on Saturday as part of the fourth batch under the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between the Palestinian resistance and "Israel".
The Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs reported that the latest release includes 39 detainees from Gaza, 32 from the occupied West Bank, and one detainee deported to Egypt. Among them are Palestinians serving life sentences and lengthy prison terms. Additionally, 111 detainees, who were arrested by Israeli invading units in Gaza following October 7, 2023, have also been freed.
The Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate reported that 10 released Palestinian detainees were rushed to hospitals in critical condition.
"At this moment, Palestinian detainees are being freed from Ofer prison.'
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 1, 2025
- #AlMayadeen's correspondent, Hanaa Mahamid#GazaCeasefire#GazaPrevailsAgainstGenocide#WestBank https://t.co/IgJkrT3fwV
Buses carrying released detainees from "Israel’s" Ofer Prison arrived in Ramallah, where they were welcomed by large crowds. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by accusations that "Israel" had forcibly deported some detainees.
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent confirmed that "Israel" transferred several released West Bank detainees to Gaza last Thursday.
However, they remained in Gaza. The report added that, according to the agreement, detainees were supposed to be transferred via the Karem Abu Salem crossing into Egypt—not rerouted to Gaza.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian leader confirmed in a statement to Al Mayadeen that the Israeli occupation has forcibly deported several freed detainees, within the context of the exchange deal, to the Gaza Strip without their consent. This, he emphasized, constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The forced transfers have raised concerns about "Israel’s" handling of the prisoner release process and its commitment to the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
A fourth group of Israeli captives held by Palestinian factions were released earlier in exchange for "Israel’s" release of the Palestinian detainees.
Preparations for the exchange have been in full swing in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, as Israeli reconnaissance drones hover overhead, closely monitoring the operation.
"111 Palestinian detainees who will be freed today were detained after October 7 from different areas, including #Jabalia, #BeitLahia, and #GazaCity."
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 1, 2025
- #AlMayadeen's correspondent, Ahmad Ghanem, reports with more details.#GazaCeasefire#GazaPrevailsAgainstGenocide#Gaza https://t.co/IN56FUYV7l
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