RAMALLAH, West Bank — On Thursday, Israel announced the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in a swap for three Israeli hostages who had been held in Gaza. Additionally, five Thai workers who were also captives in the region were released in a separate arrangement with Thailand. This marks the third prisoner exchange since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas began its second week.
Upon their release, many of the prisoners were met with exuberant celebrations from supporters as they disembarked from a Red Cross bus in the occupied West Bank. According to United Nations statistics, about 20% of Palestinians have been incarcerated by Israel, making prisoner releases significant occasions celebrated widely within the community as a shared homecoming experience. However, among those released, 23 prisoners who were serving life sentences for severe offenses were transferred to Egypt awaiting further deportation.
The released individuals were all men, with ages spanning from 15 to 69. Here is an overview of some notable Palestinian prisoners freed following the ceasefire, which began on January 19.
**Zakaria Zubeidi**
Zubeidi is a well-known former militant leader and theater director whose spectacular escape from prison in 2021 captured the attention and excitement of many Palestinians throughout the Middle East, surprising Israeli security forces. Previously, he was the head of the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, a faction linked to Fatah, responsible for several attacks against Israelis during the second intifada from 2000 to 2005.
After the uprising, Zubeidi co-established a theater in the Jenin refugee camp, an area known for its militant activity, fostering what he described as a cultural resistance against Israel. Today, the Freedom Theater in Jenin puts on performances ranging from Shakespeare to original plays by local residents.
Zubeidi was arrested again in 2019, facing charges related to shooting attacks that caused no injuries. After years in detention, he had been in prison awaiting trial but has always maintained his innocence, claiming he turned to political advocacy post-intifada. His prison escape in 2021, alongside five others, further cemented his legendary status among Palestinians, though they were all recaptured shortly after.
At his release, Zubeidi expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and his family amid cheers from supporters. Interestingly, instead of heading back to the Jenin camp on his release day, he chose to remain in Ramallah due to ongoing military operations in Jenin that recently resulted in numerous casualties and displacements. “May God grant victory to our brothers in the Jenin camp,” he declared. His son was killed in a drone strike in that same area last September, adding a personal note of loss to his welcome home.
Medical assessments indicated that Zubeidi appeared frail, with serious health issues such as broken ribs and significant weight loss—a concerning state reported by the attending doctor.
**Mohammed Abu Warda**
A Hamas militant during the second uprising, Abu Warda played a pivotal role in organizing suicide bombings that resulted in over 40 deaths and injuries to hundreds. Arrested in 2002, he received a sentence of 48 life terms, among the harshest given by Israel. His journey with Hamas began after the execution of a key militant figure in 1996, and he later became involved in recruiting others for attacks targeting civilians. Abu Warda was among those released on Thursday.
**Mohammed Aradeh, 42**
An activist linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Aradeh was sentenced to life for a variety of offenses from the days of the second intifada. He was praised for his role in the notable prison break in 2021, where he and others escaped from a high-security facility. Hailing from a politically active family, he received a warm welcome upon his release, with supporters chanting in reference to his escape.
**Other Notable Releases**
Three men—Mohammed Odeh, Wael Qassim, and Wissam Abbasi—from the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem were also freed. They were sentenced to multiple life terms for orchestrating high-profile attacks during the intifada that claimed numerous lives. They were recently relocated to Egypt for their safety and reunion with families.
The Abu Hamid brothers, linked to a storied legacy of Palestinian resistance, were also deported to Egypt after facing life sentences for substantial militant activities. Their family has a rich history within the resistance movement, having lost members to imprisonment and violence over the years.
Finally, **Mohammed al-Tous**, a 67-year-old who had been imprisoned for nearly 39 years, was noted for previously holding the title of the longest-serving detainee before his release. Initially arrested in 1985 during confrontations with Israeli forces, he too will be living in exile following the recent arrangements.
