Live Updates: Palestinian Detainees Released as Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Holds
Palestinian detainees were released from Israeli prisons Monday as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reporting allegations of mistreatment during transfer. The releases mark a key component of the deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, which aims to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and a temporary pause in fighting.
The ceasefire, which began Friday, has offered a rare respite from the intense conflict that erupted following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. The exchange of prisoners and hostages is a sensitive and closely monitored aspect of the agreement, with both sides seeking to ensure its terms are upheld. the current deal initially involved the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, with the possibility of extensions.
The PRCS stated that several of the prisoners released in Ramallah had been beaten by Israeli security personnel before boarding buses. PRCS spokesman Hassan Silwadi reported some detainees sustained rib fractures and eye trauma. The Israel Prison Service responded, stating it was unaware of the claims and that, ”to the best of our knowledge, no such incidents occurred under IPS responsibility.”
Human rights groups have frequently alleged abuse of Palestinian inmates in Israeli jails. A CNN inquiry last year featured three Israeli whistleblowers from a detention camp who recounted instances of beatings and mistreatment.
