In Pics | Relief in West Bank, Israel as Palestinian prisoners, hostages released on day one of truce
Relief Amidst Uncertainty
For families of Palestinian detainees freed in an Israeli-Hamas hostage deal, Friday brought a mix of relief and sadness as Gaza braces for continued conflict after a four-day truce.
Hostage Release
Under a Qatar-brokered accord, 39 Palestinian women and minors facing various charges were released, alongside 13 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the recent assault on Israel.
Ongoing Releases
Over 100 more Palestinian prisoners are set to be released in the next four days, with the possibility of additional releases if the truce extends. Israeli commanders pledge to free all hostages, responding to the Gaza campaign initiated after the Hamas attack that claimed 1,200 lives.
Qatar Deal Terms
As part of the Qatar deal, Hamas will release a total of 50 Israeli hostages. On Friday, 24 hostages, including four children (aged two, four, six, and nine) and an 85-year-old woman, were released and taken to an Egyptian hospital for assessments before returning to Israel.
Controversial Detention Policy
Israel currently detains a record 2,200 Palestinians in administrative detention, defended as a counter-terrorism measure. Palestinians consider them prisoners of war, sparking controversy. Israel and the US criticize the allocation of public funds for their support, branding it as an incentive for violence.
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