Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees early Monday, hours after three Israeli hostages freed by Hamas in Gaza returned home.
A bus carrying dozens of detainees exited Ofer prison near Ramallah in the West Bank, marking a significant step in the ongoing ceasefire agreement.
Who Was Released?
According to the Palestinian Authority’s Commission for Prisoners’ Affairs, the released detainees were all women or minors. Israel had detained them for various security-related offenses, ranging from stone-throwing to attempted murder.
The prisoner release is part of the ceasefire agreement, which includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Humanitarian Aid Ramps Up in Gaza
The United Nations reported that over 630 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Sunday, including at least 300 sent to the war-ravaged north. UN humanitarian officials described the situation in Gaza as dire, citing immense needs after 15 months of war and severe restrictions on aid.
The ceasefire deal, which began Sunday, aims to bring 600 aid trucks into Gaza daily during its six-week initial phase. Aid workers face challenges, including lawlessness and looting by armed groups, as they strive to distribute essential supplies.
Hamas and Prisoner List Dispute
Hamas attributed a delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners to a disagreement over the names on Israel’s release list. The group stated that one female prisoner was missing from the agreed-upon list and that they were working with mediators to resolve the issue.
Military Activity and Security Measures
The Israeli military fired projectiles and restricted journalists covering the prisoner release near Ofer prison. Public celebrations by Palestinians were discouraged, and the situation remained tense as the process unfolded.
The ceasefire agreement marks a pivotal moment, with both sides navigating a complex mix of prisoner exchanges, humanitarian aid efforts, and ongoing negotiations.
