Israel has released 90 Palestinian prisoners, hours after three Israeli hostages were freed by Hamas and returned to Israeli territory. The move comes as part of a ceasefire agreement implemented in the Gaza Strip on Sunday.
The detainees, including women and minors, were transported in large white buses from Israel’s Ofer prison near Ramallah in the West Bank. Their release was met with jubilant celebrations, as crowds of Palestinians gathered around the buses, cheering and setting off fireworks.
Israel stated that the released individuals had been detained for offences related to national security, ranging from stone-throwing to more severe charges such as attempted murder. The Palestinian Authority’s Commission for Prisoners’ Affairs confirmed their identities.
This follows Israel’s announcement on Sunday that three hostages, held by Hamas for 15 months, had been freed and transferred to the Israeli military via the Red Cross in Gaza City. The exchange marks a significant step in the fragile ceasefire deal, though tensions remain high in the region.
