Tel Aviv: As Israel continues the process of returning hostages from Gaza, authorities are also preparing to release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners in the coming hours. Reports indicate that approximately 250 Palestinian prisoners, along with 1,700 detainees from Gaza including 22 children are set to leave Israeli custody.
Israeli media sources suggest that the prisoners are being readied for transfer from Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank. The names of those slated for release were published by Israel’s Justice Ministry on Friday. Notably, the list does not include seven high-profile figures, such as Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat, whose release had been sought by Hamas during the hostage negotiations, despite last-minute discussions on Sunday.
Family members of the prisoners have gathered outside Ofer Prison since early morning, anxiously awaiting the release of their loved ones. Under the planned arrangements, roughly 100 prisoners will be returned to the West Bank, while others are scheduled for deportation to Gaza or Egypt. A small number will be released into East Jerusalem, reflecting a carefully coordinated distribution plan.
The release of Palestinian prisoners forms a parallel component of the broader exchange and is expected to play a critical role in easing tensions while highlighting the complex negotiations that accompanied the hostages’ return. Authorities have emphasized that the operation is being conducted with close attention to security, logistics, and humanitarian considerations, ensuring a smooth transition for those leaving custody.
This upcoming release is seen as a historic moment for both communities, symbolizing a delicate step toward managing long-standing conflicts while navigating the sensitive political and security dynamics of the region.