Thousands of Palestinians gathered on Saturday to welcome prisoners freed under a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, celebrating their release and praising Hamas for their actions. In Ramallah, West Bank, jubilant crowds carried freed detainees on their shoulders, waving Palestinian and Hamas flags, as well as flags from other Palestinian factions, including Fatah and the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad.
In Gaza, at the European Hospital, a crowd gathered to celebrate the release of detainees, chanting religious slogans and expressions of support for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades. Among those freed was Ikhlas Balousha, who described the joy of her brother’s release despite the ongoing suffering in Gaza. “A feeling of dignity, joy, a feeling of victory despite the pain,” she said.
The 200 Palestinians freed included militants sentenced to life for their involvement in deadly attacks. Some of the released prisoners were sent to Egypt for exile, while others returned to Gaza, a region heavily damaged by months of war. Mohammad Al-Arda, a former prisoner, expressed his relief, saying he always believed he would be freed, despite the hardships he endured in solitary confinement.
The freed prisoners, whom Palestinians refer to as “heroes” and “freedom fighters,” received a warm welcome. Among them was Naser Dawoud, who had spent 21 years in prison for attacks on Israel, stating he was overwhelmed by the unexpected release.
As medics began assessing the health of the released prisoners in Gaza, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being of the hostages, contrasting it with the conditions of Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire agreement allows for the eventual return of Palestinians to the north of Gaza, though many are awaiting Israel’s compliance with the terms. Hamas expressed hope that Israel would honor the agreement by pulling forces from key roads to facilitate the return of over 650,000 displaced Palestinians.
