Israel frees hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages

Hundreds of freed Palestinian prisoners and detainees were greeted with tears, cheers, and emotional embraces as they returned home to Gaza and the occupied West Bank following a major prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.

The release — one of the largest in recent years — saw about 250 convicted prisoners, including individuals found guilty of deadly attacks against Israelis, and approximately 1,700 detainees from Gaza who had been held without formal charges, freed from Israeli custody.

In Ramallah, crowds gathered in the early hours to witness the return of buses operated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

As the prisoners descended, many wrapped in traditional black-and-white keffiyeh scarves, families rushed forward in scenes of relief and heartbreak. Many of the released appeared frail and weak, with some struggling to walk after years behind bars.

The mass release came as part of a negotiated exchange in which 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas were freed and reunited with their families.

Israeli authorities also confirmed that the remains of several deceased hostages are expected to be handed over in the coming days as part of the same agreement.

The deal, brokered through international mediation, has drawn mixed reactions in Israel and across the Palestinian territories.

While Palestinians hailed it as a moment of long-awaited freedom and resilience, Israeli officials emphasized the painful balance between humanitarian concerns and national security.

Human rights organizations have urged both sides to continue dialogue and prioritize the welfare of civilians amid ongoing tensions.

For many families, however, the day was simply one of reunion and relief — a moment to reclaim loved ones long believed lost.

As one mother in Ramallah wept while clutching her son, newly released after eight years in detention, she said softly: “Today, our home breathes again.”