Israel releases Palestinians in exchange for Gaza hostages

Israel on Saturday released Palestinians from its jails in the fourth prisoner-hostage swap under the ongoing ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Thirty-two of the freed prisoners from the occupied West Bank were handed over to the International Red Cross from the Ofer Prison facility near Ramallah, in line with the terms of the Jan. 19 truce.

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered near the Ramallah Cultural Palace to welcome the freed prisoners, waving Palestinian flags and chanting in support of the resistance and Gaza.

Despite warnings, the crowd gathered to receive the prisoners, who raised victory signs in defiance of Israeli orders.

Many of the released prisoners appeared in poor health, with some barely able to walk. They were taken to hospitals in Ramallah for medical checks and treatment.

Commenting on the freed prisoners' poor health, Hamas said it confirmed "the brutality" of what Palestinians endure in Israeli jails.

Hamas described these violations as "war crimes and crimes against humanity that require immediate intervention by the international community, the UN and the rights' group."

Meanwhile, the International Red Cross staff were "angry" over the way Israel released the Palestinian prisoners on Saturday as they were led out in shackles with their hands behind their heads, according to the Israeli daily Haaretz.

Later, a number of freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in the Gaza Strip escorted by the Red Cross. Many were taken to the Gaza European hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

A total of 183 Palestinians were expected to be released Saturday from Israeli jails, including 111 who were held after Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Hamas-run Prisoners' Information Office.

Earlier, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, released three Israeli captives from Gaza and handed them over to the Red Cross.