Israel Releases 200 Palestinian Prisoners Amid Ceasefire Deal

Israel’s prison service has confirmed the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners as part of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, following the release of four Israeli female hostages by Hamas earlier in the day.

The prisoners were freed from Ofer and Ketziot prisons after receiving approval from political authorities. Large crowds gathered in Ramallah, celebrating the return of dozens of prisoners who arrived on buses. Many were welcomed with cheers, some lifted onto shoulders, while others walked through the excited crowd.

Hamas announced that 70 of the freed prisoners would be deported, aligning with Israel’s stance that individuals convicted of killing Israelis should not be allowed to return to the West Bank or Gaza. Egyptian state TV also confirmed that 70 Palestinian prisoners had been transferred to Egypt as part of the agreement.