Video: 90 Palestinian detainees freed, Israeli forces withdraw from parts of Gaza

Meanwhile, Israel's Givati Brigade forces have started withdrawing from the most bombarded occupied territory Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip

The Israel Prison Service announced the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners, on Monday, January 20, as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. They are from the first batch of the prisoner exchange.

On Sunday, Israeli authorities began transferring Palestinian detainees to Ofer Prison in the West Bank, preparing them for release.

The process coincided with Red Cross meeting Hamas forces to secure the transfer of three Israeli hostages, who were later brought to Israel, reported Xinhua news agency.

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Emotional reunion of Palestinian prisoners

In a touching scene, 90 Palestinian prisoners including women, minors, elderly and prominent activists were released as part of an agreement amid ongoing truce talks mediated by Qatar.

The detainees, who were imprisoned in the Israeli Ofer Prison near Ramallah, passed through medical examination and fingerprinting before they were released and handed over to the International Red Cross.

Hundreds of Palestinians had gathered outside the prison premises, waiting for their dear ones. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and joy, as families reunited after prolonged separations. Upon their release, detainees hugged their families and friends shedding tears of joy.

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Among those released was Khalida Jarrar, a prominent Palestinian activist and politician, charged with incitement for her outspoken condemnation of the occupation in the West Bank. She was imprisoned for 15 months but released only after six months under the truce deal.

Jarrar reportedly spent those six months in solitary confinement in a 2-by-1.5m cell.

Israeli forces withdrawal

Meanwhile, reports suggested that Israel’s Givati Brigade forces have started withdrawing from the most bombarded occupied territory Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip following 470 days of intense fighting.

Footage emerged on the internet showing the forces with army tanks and vehicles leaving the Jabalia area and moving towards Israel.

According to Israeli Channel 14, the forces left the Gaza Strip on Saturday, January 18 evening without receiving any orders to return.

Three Israeli hostages released

In turn, Hamas and Al-Qassam Brigades released three Israeli female hostages near the Gaza border and handed them over to the Red Cross.

The three women, Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli, Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse, and Romi Gonen, 23, abducted from the Nova music festival—were the first hostages freed after 471 days in captivity.

Their release marked the initial stage of the agreement. The hostages reunited with their families after a one-year prolonged war, marking a significant step in the truce talks.

Leaders statement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the moment as significant claiming the three “went through hell.”

IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari expressed gratitude for their return while emphasising that Israeli forces are prepared for any violations of the agreement.

Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida reiterated the group’s commitment to the ceasefire, contingent on Israel’s adherence. He described the October 7 assault, which killed 1,200 people in Israel and led to the kidnapping of 250 others, as a “turning point” in the conflict.

The ceasefire deal, which aims to halt hostilities after over 15 months of intense Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, marks the beginning of six weeks of calm.

The phased release of hostages and prisoners is seen as a critical step towards reducing tensions between the two sides.

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