**RAMALLAH, West Bank**
On Thursday, Israel released 110 Palestinian inmates in a significant exchange for three Israeli hostages taken in Gaza. Additionally, an arrangement with Thailand saw the return of five Thai workers also held in the enclave. This prisoner-for-hostage exchange marks the third such operation as a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas continues into its second week.
Upon their release, many of the prisoners were greeted with great jubilation as they stepped off a Red Cross bus in the occupied West Bank. Celebrations erupted, reflecting a deeply-rooted cultural significance surrounding prisoner releases; statistics suggest that one in five Palestinians has been incarcerated by Israel. This emotional homecoming represented a collective source of joy for almost everyone within the Palestinian community.
Among those released, 23 prisoners serving life sentences for more severe crimes were transferred to Egypt for further deportation. The group freed consisted solely of men, with ages ranging from 15 to 69.
Highlighting some notable names among the freed, Zakaria Zubeidi stood out. Previously a militant leader and later a theater director, Zubeidi’s audacious escape from prison in 2021 captured the imagination of many Palestinians and posed significant challenges for Israeli security. He had headed the Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, an armed faction affiliated with Fatah, during the second intifada, responsible for numerous attacks against Israeli targets.
In more recent years, Zubeidi had co-founded a cultural center in his hometown that aimed to foster cultural resistance against Israel. He was arrested in 2019 under accusations linked to shooting attacks on Israeli settler buses, charges he denies, asserting that he shifted his focus to political activism after previous militant activities. After his release, Zubeidi expressed deep gratitude for his freedom amid a crowd of supporters, reporting health concerns due to his time in detention and military operations in Jenin camp, which has seen significant fatalities recently.
Mohammed Abu Warda, a Hamas member instrumental in organizing suicide bombings during the second intifada, also regained his freedom. Arrested in 2002 and given numerous life sentences, Abu Warda was linked to attacks that resulted in over 40 deaths. His early involvement with Hamas began after the death of a key militant figure, which escalated the conflict.
Another notable freed prisoner is Mohammed Aradeh, who was sentenced to life for serious offenses returning to the second intifada. He is recognized for his involvement in the infamous 2021 prison break along with Zubeidi and others, which cemented his reputation among supporters.
Three other men, Mohammed Odeh, Wael Qassim, and Wissam Abbasi, all linked to Hamas and charged with various terrorist activities during the second intifada, were also released, with families in Jerusalem awaiting their return.
Furthermore, the three Abu Hamid brothers, sentenced to life for terrorist attacks, were deported to Egypt. The family has a long history of involvement in Palestinian militancy and has faced multiple tragedies, including the death of a family member in prison.
Lastly, Mohammed al-Tous, who once held the record for the longest continuous incarceration in Israeli prisons, was released after 39 years behind bars. He had been confined since 1985 and now joins the ranks of those bidding farewell to Israeli jails amid evolving geopolitical tensions in the region.
