Palestinian Relatives Welcome Home Women and Minors in Prisoner Exchange Amidst Conflict

In the occupied West Bank, over three dozen Palestinian prisoners received a triumphant welcome upon their return from Israeli detention, as part of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The scene was electrifying as the released prisoners, some charged with minor offenses and others convicted in attacks, arrived at a checkpoint near Jerusalem. The crowd of Palestinians burst into an exuberant display of cheering, clapping, and waving, with music and fireworks enhancing the festive mood.

Among the released were fifteen young men, appearing weary and clad in prison attire, who were carried through the streets by their emotional fathers, under a vibrant night sky.

Jamal Brahma, a 17-year-old, expressed his overwhelming emotions amidst the fervent crowd. He had been detained without charges by Israeli forces seven months earlier in Jericho. His father, Khalil, tearfully embraced the opportunity to reconnect with his son.

This prisoner release followed the liberation of hostages, including Israelis, from Gaza in an initial exchange under the four-day truce. The agreement stipulates the release of 50 hostages by Hamas and 150 Palestinian prisoners by Israel, with potential extensions based on additional releases.

Despite governmental orders to suppress celebrations in Israel, people in Beitunia, near Ofer Prison, experienced moments of tension when Israeli security forces deployed tear gas against the crowd.

Mays Foqaha celebrated the release of her 18-year-old friend, Nour al-Taher, arrested during a protest at the Al Aqsa Mosque. The released detainees included 24 women, some convicted for attempted attacks and others for social media incitement.

The release also involved 15 teenage boys, mostly charged with stone-throwing and “supporting terrorism.” This term is often used in the context of Israel’s efforts to quell violence in the occupied territories.

For many families affected by the conflict, the exchange brought mixed feelings of joy and sorrow. Abdulqader Khatib, a U.N. worker, expressed his conflicted emotions, happy for his son’s release but saddened by the broader conflict.

Currently, Israel detains a record number of Palestinians under administrative detention, a practice it defends as necessary for counter-terrorism, but which is controversial due to the lack of formal charges or trials.

Since October 7, with Hamas taking hostages and causing Israeli casualties, Palestinians have been concerned about their imprisoned relatives. Israel has a history of engaging in asymmetrical prisoner exchanges, the most notable being the 2011 swap of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit.

Palestinian society deeply feels the impact of these prisoner releases. With a large portion of the population having experienced incarceration, the released prisoners are often seen as heroes, despite Israel and the U.S. criticizing financial support to their families.

Organizations like Addameer emphasize the significance of such exchanges for families, viewing them as rare opportunities for early release.

Since the Hamas attack, Israel has intensified its operations in the West Bank against suspected militants. Many Palestinians are tried in military courts with high conviction rates, often without due process or fair trials.

As of now, over 7,200 Palestinians are in Israeli prisons, with more than 2,000 arrests since October 7.

In Beitunia, a 16-year-old named Aban Hammad, recently released from prison for stone-throwing, experienced his first moments of freedom in a year, surrounded by a tumultuous but joyous atmosphere.