Thousands of Palestinians gathered in celebration this Saturday to welcome home 200 prisoners freed under a significant ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. Among those released were militants, including individuals serving life sentences for attacks that resulted in numerous fatalities. While the ceasefire also saw four Israeli hostages return home, the release of these prisoners has been hailed by Palestinians as a moment of triumph, with many calling the prisoners "heroes" and "freedom fighters."
The deal facilitated the transfer of what Israel considers the most dangerous prisoners to Egypt, from where they will be exiled to a third country such as Turkey, Qatar, or Algeria. Approximately 70 individuals are set to be deported. Additionally, some released prisoners from northern Gaza will remain temporarily in the southern enclave until Israel permits the return of hundreds of thousands of northern Gaza residents.
The atmosphere at the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis was electric as thousands flocked to welcome the freed detainees. Chants of "Allahu Akbar" and "Greeting to Qassam Brigades" filled the air, reflecting the deep-seated admiration and support for those returning home. The event marked a poignant moment in the ongoing conflict, with both sides having made significant concessions.
Ikhlas Balousha, a Gazan woman, expressed profound emotion over her brother's release amidst the backdrop of ongoing adversity.
"A feeling of dignity, joy, a feeling of victory despite the pain – a moment when you could have been a martyr, but praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds, who allowed us to see him," she said.
Naser Dawoud, a Hamas militant who served 21 years in prison for participating in attacks on Israel, shared his disbelief and gratitude for his newfound freedom.
"I am a human being and was sentenced for life, I didn't expect this to happen, there were some efforts before, but this time God blessed us," Dawoud commented.
Mohammad Al-Arda, another prominent figure among the released prisoners, had been serving life plus 15 years for his involvement with Islamic Jihad. Al-Arda gained notoriety for a dramatic escape in 2021 when he tunneled out of prison with three other inmates. His unwavering belief in eventual liberation was evident.
"I had no doubt that I would be liberated one day. I was confident of that," Al-Arda stated.
He added,
"We were in solitary confinement, under pressure and pain. I swear to God that when I saw the happiness of my people, I became happy too, a happiness that words can't describe."
The release has sparked significant contention between Israel and Hamas. While Hamas emphasized its efforts to preserve the wellbeing of Israeli hostages, it accused Israel of attempting to harm Palestinian prisoners. In contrast, Israeli officials maintain a firm stance that those convicted of killing Israelis will not be allowed to return home.
This development is part of ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between Hamas and Israel through temporary ceasefire agreements. However, the situation remains tense with longstanding grievances unresolved. For many Palestinians, the return of their compatriots is not just a diplomatic maneuver but a deeply symbolic victory amid ongoing strife.
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