Hamas Awaits Release of 90 Palestinian Prisoners as Gaza Truce Takes Hold
As a fragile ceasefire settles over the Gaza Strip, Hamas anticipates the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners, primarily women and children, from Israeli prisons. This release marks the first phase of a ceasefire agreement implemented after the recent intense conflict. Hamas stated they expect to receive the list of names imminently. The agreement reportedly stipulates the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners for each Israeli civilian female detainee.
While details remain scarce, Israeli media sources suggest the agreement may also necessitate the release of high-profile Palestinian leaders serving life sentences in exchange for captured Israeli soldiers. This potential exchange adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate truce. The names circulating in Palestinian media, compiled by the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society (PPS), include prominent figures within Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
Among those potentially slated for release is Abdullah Barghouti, sentenced to 67 life terms. Arrested in 2003, Barghouti is considered a key figure within the al-Qassam Brigades and hails from Beit Rima, near Ramallah. Another prominent name is Ibrahim Hamed, serving 54 life sentences, the second-longest sentence among Palestinian prisoners. Hassan Salama, sentenced to 48 life terms plus 30 years, is also on the list. Israel accuses him of orchestrating attacks that resulted in the deaths of dozens of Israelis. He was arrested in 1996.
The list also includes Abbas al-Sayed, a senior al-Qassam Brigades commander arrested in 2002 and sentenced to 36 life terms plus 200 years. Beyond Hamas figures, the potential release also encompasses members of other Palestinian factions. Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Fatah leader serving five life sentences, is a key figure in discussions. Arrested in 2002, Israel convicted him for his role in attacks claimed by armed groups affiliated with Fatah.
The potential release of Ahmad Sa’adat, the former Secretary-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), adds further intrigue. Israel accuses Sa’adat of masterminding the assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi in 2001. Arrested in 2006 and sentenced to 30 years in 2008, Sa’adat was notably excluded from the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. His potential inclusion in this agreement underscores the significant shifts in the political landscape.
As these negotiations unfold, thousands of displaced Palestinians are beginning the arduous journey back to their homes in Gaza. Major roads are teeming with families carrying their belongings, a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict. The scenes of families returning home, while hopeful, are juxtaposed against the widespread devastation across the Gaza Strip, highlighting the long road to recovery ahead. Organizations like the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are working to provide essential aid and support to those affected, but the scale of the need is immense. The ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, but the underlying issues fueling the conflict remain, underscoring the fragility of the current peace.
