Palestinian Prisoners Return Home to Hero’s Welcome in West Bank
Over three dozen Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli prisons and returned home to a hero’s welcome in the occupied West Bank. The release of the prisoners was part of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas. The procession of freed prisoners at a checkpoint outside of Jerusalem sparked massive crowds of Palestinians into a frenzy of chanting, clapping, and waving their hands in celebration.
The released prisoners, some accused of minor offenses and others convicted in attacks, were greeted with fireworks and patriotic Palestinian pop music. They were carried on the shoulders of their teary-eyed fathers as they made their way through the streets. Some were draped in Palestinian flags, while others held up victory signs as they crowd-surfed.
Among the released prisoners was 17-year-old Jamal Brahma, who had been detained without charge or trial for seven months. His father, Khalil Brahma, was overwhelmed with emotion as he brought his son down from his shoulders and looked him in the eye for the first time in months. The release of the Palestinian prisoners came just hours after two dozen hostages, including 13 Israelis, were released from captivity in Gaza.
Under the cease-fire deal, Hamas is to release at least 50 hostages, and Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners over the course of four days. The atmosphere in the town of Beitunia near Israel’s Ofer Prison was festive, but tensions were high as Israeli security forces attempted to shut down the celebrations. Tear gas canisters were unleashed on the crowds, causing chaos and sending people running away in pain.
The Palestinian detainees who were freed included 24 women who had been sentenced to years-long prison terms for attempted stabbings and other attacks on Israeli security forces. There were also 15 male teenagers who had been charged with stone-throwing and “supporting terrorism.” The release of these prisoners brought a mix of joy and anguish for families on both sides of the conflict.
For Palestinians, the release of prisoners is a significant moment as almost every Palestinian has a relative who has been in jail or has been there themselves. Human rights groups estimate that over 750,000 Palestinians have passed through Israeli prisons since Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in 1967. Palestinians view these prisoners as prisoners of war and provide support to them and their families.
Israel and the US have condemned the support given to prisoner families, seeing it as an incentive for violence. However, for Palestinian families, prisoner exchanges like this are often their only hope of seeing their loved ones released before many years go by. The release of prisoners is seen as a miracle from God.
Since the Hamas attack, Israel has intensified its crackdown on Palestinians suspected of ties to militant groups. Many prisoners are convicted by military courts, which have a conviction rate of over 99 percent. Palestinians are often denied due process and forced into confessions, according to rights groups.
Currently, there are 7,200 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, with over 2,000 arrested since October 7 alone. The release of these prisoners is a glimmer of hope in the midst of ongoing conflict and serves as a reminder of the deep divisions between Israelis and Palestinians.
In Beitunia, a 16-year-old named Aban Hammad stood still, looking overwhelmed by the emotions around him. He had spent a year in prison for throwing stones and was released even though he had eight months left of his sentence. As he hugged his father, he remarked on how he had grown during his time in prison.
The release of these Palestinian prisoners is a small step towards peace but highlights the complex and deeply rooted issues that continue to divide Israelis and Palestinians.