Hamas has announced that its actions have led to the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners, including 121 serving life sentences and 79 facing lengthy terms, as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. The release is seen as a significant victory for the resistance, which has kept its commitment to freeing imprisoned Palestinians despite the ongoing conflict.
On January 25, 2025, Hamas facilitated the handover of four Israeli soldiers captured during the conflict to the International Red Cross in Gaza. In return, Israel released 114 Palestinian prisoners, who were transferred via bus to Ramallah in the West Bank, with celebrations marking their return. Some prisoners are also heading to Gaza.
Hamas stated that the release of these prisoners is part of a broader deal that will see additional prisoners freed over a six-week period, with the aim of exchanging hundreds of Palestinian detainees. The agreement, according to Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif al-Qanua, also calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the return of displaced refugees.
Hamas emphasized that the exchange represents a significant moral and strategic victory, underlining the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people. Despite facing ongoing aggression from Israel, including airstrikes and military operations, the resistance has succeeded in securing the release of prisoners who had been subjected to harsh conditions.
The deal continues to unfold as part of efforts to ease tensions and open the way for further negotiations, with a call for international support to help the Palestinian people restore their rights and secure long-term peace.
