Palestinian prisoners arrive at the Ofer prison outside Jerusalem as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. 19 January 2025. Photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90
Israel has released the first group of 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of an agreement with the Hamas group, the Times of Israel reports, citing the country’s prison administration.
Among those released were 69 women, one minor girl, 12 men and eight boys under the age of 18. These people were previously convicted of crimes that threatened Israel’s security.
Before being released, the prisoners were transferred to Ofer prison, near Jerusalem. There, they underwent security checks, identification and medical examination. Subsequently, 78 West Bank residents were released through the Beituniya crossing. The remaining prisoners returned to East Jerusalem.
At the same time, the Israeli authorities confirmed the release of three Israeli women held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for 470 days. Romy Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28) and Doron Steinbrecher (31) were transferred to the custody of the Israeli military and taken to Israel.
This exchange was part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas that is designed to reduce tensions in the region.
