A wave of anticipation and emotion swept through the streets of Ramallah late Wednesday as the seventh batch of Palestinian prisoners, released in a significant exchange between Hamas and Israeli occupation authorities, arrived at the Ramallah Cultural Palace.
Families and supporters gathered to greet the returning prisoners, marking yet another chapter in this ongoing saga of captivity and negotiation.
Israel released dozens of Palestinian detainees last night as part of an exchange deal with the resistance.
Many detainees arrived in Khan Yunis in severely deteriorated health conditions due to torture. pic.twitter.com/zTa0VKpG3O
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) February 27, 2025
According to the Palestinian Prisoner Media Office, plans were in place to release between 590 to 594 prisoners from the Gaza Strip, with the Palestinian Prisoner Society confirming that 445 individuals would be set free. Preparations were also made at the European Hospital in Khan Younis to provide medical care for the freed detainees.
The prisoner exchange, announced by Hamas spokesperson Abdul-Latif al-Qanou’, included the return of Israeli bodies in a carefully negotiated process to ensure compliance. Al-Qanou’ noted that Egyptian mediators played a crucial role in facilitating the exchange, although discussions regarding subsequent phases of the agreement are still pending.
Freed Palestinian prisoners embrace their families after being released from occupation jails. pic.twitter.com/OiAVYsuZbb
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) February 26, 2025
As the celebrations unfolded in Ramallah, however, the atmosphere was marred by reports of intimidation. Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) descended on homes in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank, warning families against public celebrations and the display of flags. Notably, the home of prisoner Atef Jaber Abu Alia in the village of Al-Mughayyir was raided just before his release.
Additional incursions were reported in Beit Hanina, where soldiers surrounded the homes of prisoners Ahed al-Natsheh and Hamza al-Khalouti. Eyewitness accounts also detailed operations in the village of Ezbet al-Tabib and the town of Beitunia.
The freed Palestinian prisoner Salama Qattawi embraces his family after being released from occupation jails. pic.twitter.com/DQ9X8uTIaQ
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) February 27, 2025
As the exchange unfolded, the International Red Cross monitored activities at the Karem Abu Salem crossing and the European hospital, ensuring a smooth transition for all involved. Medical teams were on standby, particularly for the release of prisoner Kazem Zawahra, who had been in a coma for months at Hadassah Hospital.
Source: Agencies (edited and translated by Al-Manar English Website)
