• Metascholar News Portal
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• January 31, 2025
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• 3 minutes Read

Israel to Release 110 Palestinian Prisoners in New Gaza Ceasefire Deal

In the third phase of a ceasefire and captive exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, 110 Palestinian prisoners are set to be released today from Israeli prisons, according to the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society. This release marks a continuation of efforts to de-escalate tensions and foster negotiations between the two parties. Meanwhile, Hamas and other Palestinian factions will free eight captives, including five Thai nationals and three Israelis. The freed Palestinians are expected to arrive at the Radana area in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank, around noon local time (10:00 GMT). However, 20 of the released prisoners will face exile outside Palestine. Among those being released are at least 30 children, as listed in a document published by the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society. One of the most prominent figures among the released prisoners is Zakaria Zubeidi, a 49-year-old former resistance fighter and theatre director. Zubeidi once led the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, affiliated with the Fatah political party, and was a notable figure during the uprisings against Israeli occupation from 2000 to 2005. Arrested again in 2019, Zubeidi became widely recognized after his dramatic escape from a high-security Israeli prison in 2021. Along with five others, he tunneled out, an act that cemented his status as a folk hero among Palestinians. Although recaptured, Zubeidi’s reputation remains iconic, particularly for his establishment of The Freedom Theatre in the Jenin refugee camp. This cultural institution promotes nonviolent resistance through the arts, providing an outlet for Palestinians living under occupation. The Jenin refugee camp, a hub of Palestinian resistance, has faced ongoing military operations by Israeli forces. Over the past two weeks, these raids have resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Palestinians and injuries to dozens more. Israel’s military claims to have killed 18 Palestinians and arrested 60 others in Jenin and Tulkarem as part of broader operations in the occupied territories. The release of these 110 prisoners will bring the total number of Palestinians freed under the current ceasefire agreement to 400. Despite this, arrests in the West Bank have continued, with Israeli forces detaining additional Palestinians, including 12 in East Jerusalem for alleged violations of public order during previous prisoner releases. As of now, more than 10,400 Palestinians remain in Israeli custody, including 3,300 held in administrative detention without formal charges or trials. Advocacy groups have raised concerns over the treatment of detainees, particularly those from Gaza who have been reportedly subjected to severe torture. Health professionals like Dr.…