In a dramatic overnight exchange, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison in the West Bank early Monday—hours after three Israeli hostages returned home from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The move marks a pivotal moment in the fragile ceasefire deal brokered between the two sides.
🚌 Buses operated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) transported the freed individuals, including women from East Jerusalem and minors under 18, to areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority. Families erupted in emotional reunions near the prison, but tensions flared as Israeli forces used tear gas to disperse crowds, leaving some journalists and residents injured.
⚖️ The swap follows days of negotiations over disputed lists of names, with Hamas-affiliated officials confirming the agreement late Sunday. It comes amid a broader pause in violence that began earlier this week, offering a temporary reprieve for civilians on both sides.
🔍 While celebrations erupted in Ramallah, questions linger about the long-term prospects for peace. Could this exchange pave the way for broader talks—or is it just a brief pause in decades of conflict? One thing’s clear: For now, families on both sides are breathing easier.
