Hamas stated on Monday that the condition of the Palestinian prisoners who were freed in exchange for Israeli female captives illustrates the stark contrast between the “morality of the resistance” and the “brutality and fascism of the occupation.”
In its statement, Hamas said:
“We congratulate our people, our nation, and the free people of the world on the liberation of the first group of our male and female prisoners from the occupation’s prisons, as part of the ongoing ‘Hurricane of the Free’ deal.”
Hamas added:
“The joyous scenes of our people raising victory signs while welcoming the freed prisoners reaffirm the widespread popular support for the resistance and highlight its deep-rooted place in their hearts.”
The statement continued:
“The massive crowds that gathered to receive the freed prisoners, despite the repressive measures of the occupation, are a declaration of defiance against the occupation and an expression of their thirst for freedom, as well as the liberation of the land and holy sites.”
Hamas emphasized:
“Images of the handover of the three Israeli female captives, who appeared in perfect physical and psychological health, contrasted sharply with the visible signs of neglect and exhaustion on our male and female prisoners. This stark difference highlights the moral values of the resistance compared to the barbarity and fascism of the occupation.”
The statement concluded:
“We renew our pledge of loyalty to our prisoners, promising them complete freedom, as we continue on the path to liberate our land, sanctities, and to defeat the fascist occupation.”
Joyous Welcomes Across the West Bank
In the early hours of Monday, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank warmly welcomed the prisoners released from Israeli occupation prisons as part of the first phase of the exchange deal with the resistance in Gaza.
On Sunday night, Israeli authorities released dozens of Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, from Ofer Prison, located west of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
Among those released was prominent leader Khalida Jarrar of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. She returned home to a heartfelt reception from her family as part of the first group of freed prisoners.
Additionally, the sisters of Hamas leader and martyr Saleh Al-Arouri, who was assassinated by the occupation in Beirut last year, were also freed.
Palestinian journalist Bushra Al-Taweel was another freed prisoner who returned to her home as part of the first group under the exchange deal.
Freed prisoner Bara’ah Fuqaha, from Tulkarm, expressed her gratitude, saying:
“Our message, our thanks, and our heartfelt feelings go out to our people in Gaza. Despite all the suffering, torture, and hardships we endured in prison, our only concern was for the war on our people in Gaza to end.”
Release of Jerusalemite Prisoners
At the same time, Israeli authorities released several Palestinian prisoners from Jerusalem directly to their homes in the occupied city. Palestinian human rights organizations confirmed that 90 prisoners, including 21 children and youths, were released as part of the first phase of the agreement.
