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[Video] Palestinian prisoners' release sparks thunderous celebrations, while over 100 exiles face difficulties reuniting with their families.

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Taiwan

Monday, October 13


巴勒斯坦人10月13日在以色列奧弗監獄等待釋放巴勒斯坦囚犯。(美聯社)

Palestinians await the release of Palestinian prisoners at Ofer Prison in Israel on October 13. [AP]

The Palestinian militant group Hamas released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages on the morning of the 13th, and Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. A bus carrying Palestinian prisoners arrived in the West Bank, drawing cheers from the crowd. However, some prisoners have been placed on exile lists, making it difficult for their families to reunite in Palestine.

The Israeli Times reported that an official involved in the operation said the 1,966 detainees had been bused out of Israeli prisons and that most were expected to be released at Nasser Hospital in Gaza on the 13th. Reuters reported that the first bus carrying Palestinian prisoners had arrived in Gaza.

The video shows another bus arriving in Ramallah in the West Bank. Palestinian prisoners smile and make victory gestures. The bus is crowded with people, making it difficult to move. Some people wave Palestinian flags, and the atmosphere is filled with cheers and excitement.

When the prisoners got off the bus, the Israeli military tried to maintain order, but they could not stop the Palestinians from being excited about reuniting with their relatives and friends. One of the relatives saw the released Palestinian prisoners about to get off the bus, broke through the Israeli military's control, ran forward and hugged them tightly.

According to the US-backed hostage exchange agreement, a total of 250"terror convicts" sentenced to life imprisonment will be released on the 13th, of whom 135 will be exiled abroad and another 14 will be able to return to their homes in East Jerusalem.

Al Jazeera reported that hundreds of Palestinians had gathered near Ofer Prison in the West Bank, where many Palestinians were being held, awaiting the release of prisoners as part of a hostage exchange between Israel and Palestine. However, an Israeli armored vehicle approached the hills surrounding the prison, while a drone circled overhead. The Israelis then fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowd, forcing them to disperse.

The incident took place after a leaflet was circulated warning that anyone showing support for the prisoners could be arrested. Many families of Palestinian detainees had gathered outside Ofer prison to welcome their loved ones' release.

Muhammad Imran, a 43-year-old Palestinian prisoner arrested in December 2022, was among those set to be released. His family, having gone out early in the morning to welcome him home, were shocked to learn that Imran was one of over a hundred Palestinian political prisoners Israel had decided to exile. This meant his family would no longer be able to see him in Palestine unless Israel allowed them to travel abroad.

His sister, Ibtisam, and brother, Raed, were overjoyed when they received a call from Mohammed in prison, informing the family of his impending release. Raed said,"I received a call from an Israeli intelligence officer confirming my brother's imminent release. He asked us not to show our joy or receive visitors wishing congratulations. Later, Israeli forces raided our house at night and asked us where Imran would be staying after his release." He added,"Today's news is shocking, but we are still waiting. Perhaps we will be able to see him in some way. The important thing is that he is released, whether here or abroad."

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