Seventh Batch of Freed Palestinian Prisoners Arrive in Ramallah

Palestinian prisoners released late Wednesday as part of the 7th exchange between Hamas and the Israeli occupation have officially arrived at the Ramallah Cultural Palace as Palestinians awaited to welcome them.

The Palestinian Prisoner Media Office noted that “the release of between 590 to 594 prisoners from the Gaza Strip is expected, with preparations underway to receive them,” while adding that the European Hospital in Khan Younis is preparing to receive the freed Palestinian prisoners, meanwhile the Palestinian Prisoner Society said that 445 Palestinian prisoners would be released.

This follows an announcement by Hamas spokesperson Abdul-Latif al-Qanou’ that “the captive exchange will take place simultaneously with the handover of the Israeli bodies, in a new mechanism that would guarantee the occupation’s adherence.”

Al-Qanou’ added that Egyptian mediators “guaranteed the exchange”, while noting that no “proposal regarding the second phase has been presented to the movement, despite its readiness for it and its keenness to move forward with it to complete all phases of the agreement.”

The International Red Cross reported being present at the Karem Abu Salem crossing and the European hospital in Gaza to facilitate the 7th exchange between Hamas and the Israeli occupation. 

Threatening Palestinians to avoid celebrations

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in occupied Palestine reported that as the families prepared to receive their imprisoned children, IOF stormed into their homes in occupied al-Quds and the West Bank, threatening to prevent celebrations and raising flags.

The IOF stormed the home of Palestinian prisoner Atef Jaber Abu Alia, scheduled for release Wednesday night in the village of Al-Mughayyir, northeast of Ramallah.

The IOF also closed the perimeter surrounding the homes of prisoners Ahed al-Natsheh and Hamza al-Khalouti in the town of Beit Hanina, where they are set to be released.

In a related context, Sources reported to our reporters that the IOF stormed the village of Ezbet al-Tabib, east of Qalqilya, and raided citizens’ homes. The town of Beitunia near Ofer prison was also stormed. 

Palestinian sources told our reporters that initial verification of the identity of the bodies of Israeli captives will be carried out in the field at the Karem Abu Salem crossing.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that its crews were headed to Hadassah Hospital to receive the injured prisoner Kazem Zawahra and transfer him to Beit Lahm. A medical team is also waiting to receive the released prisoner Kazem Zawahra, who has been in a coma for months in Hadassah Hospital.

The Palestinian Resistance will hand over the bodies of 4 Israeli captives: Itzachi Idan, Wojciech Aljarit, Ohad Yahlomi, and Shlomo Mansour.