Summary
Israel has released 96 Palestinian political prisoners and a larger number of people it detained from Gaza. This is part of a swap deal where Israeli captives in Gaza were exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian captives. Despite this release, there are concerns about Israel potentially re-arresting Palestinians after they are freed.
Key Facts
- Israel freed 96 Palestinian political prisoners and many detainees from Gaza.
- The release was part of a swap involving the exchange of Israeli and Palestinian captives.
- A total of 1,240 Palestinians were freed in exchange for 114 Israeli captives released by Hamas.
- 250 Palestinian political prisoners serving life or long sentences were released.
- 1,718 Palestinians, described as forcibly disappeared by Israel, are also being released.
- Among the released are five children and two women.
- Since October 7, 2023, the number of Palestinian captives in Israel reportedly increased to 11,100.
- Concerns remain that Israel might re-arrest Palestinians shortly after their release.
