Freed terrorists celebrate in Ramallah Photo: Mohammed Torokman/Reuters
As part of the fifth phase of the agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, on Saturday, 8 February, Israel will release 183 Palestinian prisoners, including 18 people sentenced to life imprisonment. This step is part of a deal that will also see the release of three Israeli hostages: Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy and Eli Sharabi, Ynet News reported.
Among those being released are a number of individuals involved in terrorist attacks on Israeli territory. One of the most prominent prisoners is Shadi Barghouti, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his involvement in attacks on Israel. His father, Fakhri Barghouti, was involved in the murder of Israeli Mordechai Yakel. Ali Haroub, a member of a terrorist cell who planned a series of attacks, including hostage-taking attempts, was also released.
Other terrorists to be granted amnesty include Jamal Tayl, a senior Hamas official detained in 2021 for his involvement in the reconstruction of Hamas infrastructure in the West Bank. A special mention should be made of Eyad Abu Shahidam, who organised a double terrorist attack in Beersheba in 2004 that killed 16 Israelis.
This phase of the agreement also includes the release of terrorists such as Hatem al-Jassi, one of the founders of the Shahid al-Aqsa Brigades, and Yosef al-Mabghouh, who was involved in launching rockets and preparing explosions in Gaza.
The release process will include detailed monitoring by the International Red Cross, as well as a video showing the destruction in Gaza that will be shown to the prisoners before their release. The released terrorists will be transported through border crossings in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where they are likely to continue to be active in terrorist activities.
Following this phase of the deal, a total of 583 Palestinian prisoners were released, but the move raises concerns about Israeli security and possible implications for regional stability.
