Palestinian Prisoners Freed for Israeli Hostages

Israel recently carried out a significant prisoner release, freeing approximately 600 individuals as part of an exchange for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Among those released were some of the longest-serving prisoners, including a man convicted of murdering an American peace activist. Initially, these prisoners were slated for release after Hamas relinquished six captives. However, the process was delayed due to Israel’s objection to the public display of hostages during their handover. This time, Hamas returned the remains of four hostages without public fanfare.

In this release, the Palestinian prisoners club, which advocates for current and former prisoners, noted that Israel postponed the release of 24 Palestinians detained after a Hamas attack in October 2023. These individuals, including 23 youths and a 35-year-old woman, were scheduled for later release alongside 22 additional minors and another woman. The perspective on these prisoners varies considerably—Israel perceives them as terrorists, while Palestinians regard them as freedom fighters challenging what they view as long-standing military occupation.

Most Palestinian families know someone who has faced incarceration by Israel, often attributed to militant activities or lesser charges like rock-throwing. Many convictions occur in military courts lacking due process, according to rights organizations, and some face administrative detention without trial. Israel justifies these practices as necessary to thwart attacks and secure sensitive intelligence. Of those released, 151 had life or long sentences for their roles in lethal assaults on Israelis. Forty-three were returned to the West Bank and east Jerusalem, whereas 97 faced exile.

Following the events of October 7, 2023, nearly 500 others were detained in Gaza. Israeli forces have since captured hundreds within Gaza, detaining many without trial. As part of a ceasefire agreement, Israel agreed to release over 1,000 detainees who weren’t involved in the October attack.

Notable among the released prisoners, Nael Barghouti was freed after spending over 45 years in an Israeli jail. Barghouti is recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-held political prisoner globally, previously released in 2011 in exchange for an Israeli soldier but re-arrested in 2014.

Another prominent release was Bilal Abu Ghanem, known for his participation in a 2015 bus attack that resulted in the deaths of three Israelis. Similarly, Ammar Al-Ziben, associated with a 1997 bombing that claimed 16 lives, including an American, was set free. Ahmed Barghouti, part of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades and involved in attacks during the second intifada, was likewise released, alongside Ibrahim and Musa Sarahneh, and their brother Khalil.

Hassan and Abdel Karim Aweis, involved in plans for attacks during the second intifada, were released after more than two decades. Iyad Abu Shakhdam, sentenced for involvement in numerous deadly attacks during the intifada, was also freed. Jamal al-Tawil, a Hamas politician noted for his involvement in riots, faced detention multiple times prior to his recent release. Mohammed el-Halabi, accused of funneling funds to Hamas, was released following independent investigations finding no wrongdoing.

Zakaria Zubeidi, formerly with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, gained attention for his 2021 prison escape and subsequent capture. Mohammed Odeh, Wael Qassim, and Wissam Abbasi from east Jerusalem, charged for their involvement in deadly attacks in 2002, were also freed. Lastly, Mohammad al-Tous, previously holding the title of Israel’s longest-held prisoner, was released after 39 years.