In a major prisoner exchange, Israel has released 110 Palestinian prisoners, following the return of eight hostages from Gaza, including three Israelis and five Thai nationals. Meanwhile, Hamas has confirmed the death of its top military commander, Mohammed Deif, who Israel claims was killed in July.
Freed Prisoners Arrive in Gaza
At least 20 of the released Palestinian prisoners have arrived in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. They are undergoing medical checks at the European Hospital before reuniting with their families.
Families eagerly wait outside, some singing traditional songs and others dressed in cultural attire. Many have waited for years, even decades, for these moments. Mothers, sons, and spouses stand in anticipation, overwhelmed with emotion and relief.
Palestinian Perspective: Thousands Still Imprisoned
Despite this release, more than 10,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons. According to political analyst Xavier Abu Eid, only 750 prisoners will be freed under the current ceasefire deal. He emphasized that over 1,000 detainees from Gaza, arrested after October 7, had no charges against them.
“This reflects a larger reality,” he said. “An entire nation is caged under Israeli occupation.”
Read: Egypt, Jordan Reject Trump’s Call to Resettle Palestinians
Emotional Reunions After Decades in Prison
One of the released prisoners, Mohammed al-Burai, was arrested 30 years ago. His son, who was just two years old at the time, now waits to meet his father as a 32-year-old man with a child of his own.
“I never imagined this day would come,” he said outside the hospital. “I just want to embrace my father.”
Tensions in the West Bank: Israeli Soldier Killed in Jenin
As prisoners were being freed, clashes erupted in the occupied West Bank. Reports confirm that an Israeli soldier was killed and five others wounded during a gunfight with Palestinian fighters in Jenin. The fallen soldier was identified as 20-year-old Liam Hazi from the Kfir Brigade’s Haruv reconnaissance unit.
Hamas Confirms Death of Mohammed Deif
Hamas’ Qassam Brigades spokesperson, Abu Obaida, officially confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, the group’s military commander.
“Deif exhausted the enemy for over 30 years,” Obaida stated. “He is now a martyr.”
Other Hamas Commanders Killed
Abu Obaida also confirmed the deaths of other senior Hamas figures, including:
- Ghazi Abu Tamaa – Commander of weapons and combat services
- Raed Thabet – Head of manpower and supplies
- Rafei Salama – Commander of the Khan Younis Brigade
UNRWA Faces Israeli Ban Amid Crisis
Despite Israel’s ban on the UN Palestinian relief agency (UNRWA), its clinics remain open in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. UNRWA warned that restrictions on its operations will have serious humanitarian consequences for thousands of Palestinians.
As events unfold, the situation remains tense, with ongoing clashes, humanitarian concerns, and continued prisoner exchanges shaping the conflict.
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