110 Palestinian Prisoners Freed Following Chaotic Hostage Exchange

Hamas claims 110 Palestinian prisoners have been released after a disorderly hostage exchange, amid ongoing tensions. 

According to Hamas, 110 Palestinian prisoners have been released and buses carrying them have arrived in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank.

This marks the third instance of hostages being released since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza came into effect earlier this month.

Earlier, in Khan Younis, seven hostages—two Israelis and five Thais—were released amidst chaotic scenes as hundreds of people crowded around the vans transporting them.

We are now viewing images from the vicinity of Ramallah, where Zakaria Zubaidi, the ex-leader of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Jenin, is among those arriving on a bus encircled by a large crowd.

As a prominent prisoner, the 49-year-old has been incarcerated in both Israeli and Palestinian jails for various crimes, including murder. He claims responsibility for a shooting attack in 2002 that resulted in the deaths of six Israelis.

Zubaidi made headlines in 2021 when he escaped from an Israeli prison by tunneling out, only to be recaptured five days later.

The family of freed hostage Arbel Yehud states that their “mission is not yet complete” as they continue to strive for the release of other relatives still held captive in Gaza.

Amid chaotic scenes in Khan Younis earlier today, Arbel was released while being surrounded by armed militants and guided through a crowd.

In a statement, Arbel’s family called for the release of all hostages, including Arbel’s partner Ariel, Ariel’s brother, and their close friend Sasha—who have not yet been returned to the Nir Oz kibbutz.

In a statement, the family expressed: “Our mission remains unfinished…we will not rest until all hostages are freed. We urge everyone to ensure this opportunity stays open.”

Which Palestinian prisoners are scheduled for release?

According to the Hamas-operated Prisoners Media Office, approximately 110 individuals, predominantly Palestinians, are scheduled for release today.

Among them, 32 individuals received life sentences, while 48 are serving lengthy terms. The list includes 30 children, with the youngest being two aged 15. Out of those released, deportation abroad is pending for 21 prisoners.