ALWAGHT- Israel has released Mohammed al-Tous, the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner, as part of the second phase of a prisoner exchange agreement with the Hamas resistance movement under the Gaza ceasefire. Al-Tous was among the 200 inmates freed.
As part of a prisoner exchange deal under the Gaza ceasefire, Hamas released four female Israeli soldiers who had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023. In return, Israel freed 200 Palestinian prisoners, including Mohammed al-Tous, the longest-serving Palestinian detainee. Tous, a member of the Fatah movement, had been imprisoned for nearly four decades, having been arrested multiple times since 1970 for his activism against Israeli forces and settlements. He became a symbol of Palestinian resistance, advocating for prisoners' rights and participating in hunger strikes.
During his time in prison, Tous emerged as a leader among inmates, known for his advocacy and resilience. He has also become an accomplished author, with works detailing his life, activism, and experiences in Israeli jails. At 69 years old, he is considered the "dean" of Palestinian prisoners in the occupied West Bank. Along with Tous, seventy detainees were sent to Egypt, where they will be transferred to countries like Algeria, Tunisia, or Turkey. Some of the high-profile prisoners released, like Mohammad al-Ardah, were involved in the 2021 jailbreak.
Celebrations erupted in the occupied West Bank and Gaza as freed prisoners returned home. In Ramallah, large crowds gathered to welcome the released prisoners, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans. Similarly, 16 freed prisoners arrived in Gaza, where they were transferred to the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis. Israel has committed to releasing over 700 Palestinian prisoners under the deal, including those serving life sentences, many of whom will be sent into exile. Hamas celebrated the release as a victory after over 14 months of Israeli aggression against Gaza.
