Palestinians Celebrate Return of Freed Prisoners Under Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Joy and jubilation swept through Palestinian towns today as hundreds of former detainees returned home after being released by Israel under a landmark ceasefire deal.

In Gaza, the West Bank,  and East Jerusalem, cheering crowds gathered to welcome the freed, waving flags, embracing loved ones, and showering them with flowers and calls of “welcome home.”

In Beitunia and Ramallah, buses carrying freed prisoners arrived amid chants of “freedom!” and victory signs. Some of the men looked frail and exhausted after years of confinement; others were carried on the shoulders of supporters.

 Many had not seen their families in years or were meeting children and grandchildren for the first time. In Gaza’s Khan Younis and other areas, freed detainees were greeted by crowds who lined the streets, waving and displaying national flags.

Several of those released spoke of the hardships they endured long periods in solitary confinement, lack of legal due process, hunger, and deteriorating health. One freed prisoner from Tulkarem said he lost more than 50 kilograms (over 100 pounds) while in detention, and that his body and spirit feel weak and broken.

While the release marks a moment of celebration, it also carries pain and controversy. Under the terms of the exchange, Israel freed around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners comprising roughly 1,700 detainees seized during the Gaza war and some 250 convicted of security offenses.

 Among the released, at least 154 are being exiled to Egypt or other third countries after their release instead of returning home. Families of those deported expressed shock, saying that the exiles left a bitter aftertaste on an otherwise joyful moment.

Notably absent from the release lists were high-profile figures such as Marwan Barghouti, still serving life sentences, and others with commanding influence in Palestinian politics. Some families voiced frustration that their relatives remain behind bars despite decades of imprisonment and multiple rounds of negotiations.

In homes across the Palestinian territories, people gathered for prayers of gratitude and remembrance, offering thanks for the return of the prisoners and mourning those still detained or lost. Many said today’s events renewed hope in the possibility of greater political progress if only cautious faith that the ceasefire will hold, and that dialogue and reconstruction will follow.

Yet for all the cheers, Palestinians remain deeply aware of the wider humanitarian crisis in Gaza,  ruined homes, limited access to food, water, electricity,  and medical care,  and the uncertain political future ahead. As celebrations continue, attention turns to whether the ceasefire can become a stepping stone toward lasting peace, or whether it may shatter under renewed conflict and disappointment.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, AP News