Israel has freed over 600 Palestinian prisoners and detainees as part of a truce agreement that includes the release of 620 individuals, among them 24 women and children from Gaza. This release is one of the most significant in the recent history of Israel and Palestine.
One of the released prisoners is Nadel Barghouti, who had spent 45 years in an Israeli prison and held the record for being the longest-serving prisoner in Israel. Additionally, 445 detainees have been released in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7. On the other hand, 97 individuals with long sentences will be deported to third countries.
Among those released is Avera Mengistu, who was held captive in Gaza for 10 years and five months. His family celebrated his return after a "decade of unimaginable suffering."
The next step in the agreement involves Hamas and other Palestinian militias handing over to Israel the bodies of four deceased hostages. Moreover, the release of more Palestinian prisoners is expected in the coming days.
Regarding the hostages released by Hamas, six of them, including Hisham al Sayed, were freed in the Gaza Strip. Al Sayed was handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being transferred to Israeli authorities. Five other hostages were released and taken to Israel in a high-profile humanitarian exchange.
Although an important phase of the truce initiated in January has been completed, the continuity of the agreement remains under discussion as indirect negotiations between the involved parties progress.
