All 1,966 Palestinian detainees slated for release from Israeli prisons have boarded buses as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange with Hamas, officials involved in the operation confirmed on Monday.
The releases form part of the ongoing deal linked to the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
According to Israeli officials, about 250 convicted prisoners, including several serving sentences for terror-related offenses, are being released from Ofer Prison, located between Ramallah and Beitunia in the West Bank. Their release is expected to proceed once Hamas transfers the remaining Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
Reports from Arabic media said Palestinian Red Crescent medical teams entered Ofer Prison earlier on Monday to assist in transferring a sick security prisoner also listed for release.
In addition, 1,718 detainees from Ketziot Prison in southern Israel — mostly Gazans arrested during the war — are being freed and transported back to the Gaza Strip. They are expected to undergo initial medical checks at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.
Footage obtained by Reuters showed about a dozen masked gunmen in black, believed to be members of Hamas’s armed wing, stationed around Nasser Hospital as large crowds of Gazans gathered to welcome the released detainees.
Earlier in the day, Israeli armored vehicles were positioned near Ofer Prison, underscoring heightened security throughout the exchange operation.
