ALWAGHT- Freed Gaza detainees return amid Hamas praise for resistance victory, despite occupation efforts to block gatherings.
The first of 38 buses carrying Palestinian detainees from Gaza has departed as part of a large-scale exchange under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, marking a significant phase of the deal. Among those being freed are several long-term prisoners, with 154 slated to travel abroad and others returning to their homes in the West Bank, occupied al-Quds, and Gaza. Large crowds gathered in Gaza and Ramallah to welcome the liberated detainees, waving flags of Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
The Palestinian Resistance emphasized that Israel attempted to evade its obligations, but the agreed-upon list of prisoners—including long-term detainees and those captured from Gaza—was confirmed. Reports indicated that 1,966 Palestinian prisoners were prepared for release on Monday, including 250 serving life sentences, who will be sent to the West Bank, occupied al-Quds, and locations abroad.
Following the release, Israeli authorities reportedly sought to suppress celebrations in occupied al-Quds and the West Bank. Families of released detainees were summoned to sign conditional release agreements banning public gatherings or celebrations, and each liberated prisoner was to be escorted home under supervision to ensure compliance.
Hamas hailed the release as a victory for the Resistance, stating that Israel was forced to accept the conditions set by the Palestinian side. The movement emphasized that the freed detainees, many of whom spent decades in prison, owe their liberation to the resilience of Gaza and the efforts of the Resistance, contrasting this with the systematic abuse and harsh conditions Palestinian prisoners face in Israeli jails.
