Israel has begun releasing Palestinian prisoners following the return of the remaining Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip, according to television footage
The first buses carrying the freed detainees departed Ofer Prison on Monday in the West Bank, near Jerusalem, en route to Ramallah.
As part of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, Israel is set to release roughly 1,700 Palestinians who have been held since October 7, 2023, including about 250 prisoners serving long or life sentences.
Television images showed Israeli security forces using tear gas on crowds, including journalists, gathered near the prison ahead of the release. The Israeli military recently warned that any celebrations by the released prisoners or their families are strictly prohibited.
Earlier on Monday, Hamas handed over the last 20 surviving Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross, marking their return to Israel after 738 days in captivity.
These 20 individuals were among 251 people abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, during attacks that killed around 1,200 Israelis and sparked the Gaza war.
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