Janice R. Andrews
In a significant development, Israel released 369 imprisoned Palestinian terrorists on Saturday as part of a hostage exchange deal. The freed individuals include 36 terrorists serving life sentences for murder and 333 Palestinians from Gaza detained during the ongoing conflict. The release was negotiated in exchange for Israeli hostages Sasha Trufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn.
The Israel Prison Service (IPS) took a symbolic stance in response to Hamas dressing Israeli hostages in prison uniforms and providing them with farewell “gifts.” The IPS dressed the freed terrorists in shirts featuring the Israeli Prison Service logo, a Jewish star, and an Arabic phrase stating, “We will not forgive or forget.” Additionally, the terrorists were shown a video highlighting the destruction in Gaza.
Of the 369 released, 333 Palestinians from Gaza were sent back to the Strip. The remaining 36 included 25 deported to Gaza or abroad via Egypt, 10 returning to their homes in Judea and Samaria, and one to eastern Jerusalem.
Among the notable terrorists freed were:
- Abdel Karim Aweis: A former Palestinian Authority intelligence officer and Fatah’s Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander, serving multiple life sentences for organizing shootings and suicide bombings during the Second Intifada. He was deported abroad via Egypt.
- Ahmed Barghouti: A senior Fatah figure serving 13 life sentences for orchestrating suicide bombings in Jerusalem that killed 12 Israelis and injured dozens. Barghouti, 48, was also deported abroad.
- Ahmed Abu Hader: Convicted of a shooting attack that killed six people and plotting an attack on a Ramat Gan hospital.
- Shadi Abu Shakhdam: A Fatah operative serving six life sentences for planning a 2002 bombing at Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda Market, which killed 12 and injured 80.
This release is part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement, which aims to free 33 Israeli hostages over six weeks in exchange for up to 1,904 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has claimed that eight of the 33 hostages are dead but provided no evidence. Since the first release on January 19, Hamas has freed 19 Israelis and five Thai captives in exchange for 952 Palestinian prisoners.
The fate of the remaining 65 hostages hinges on negotiations during the ceasefire’s second phase. Critics argue that the phased approach risks prolonging their captivity and undermines Israel’s military gains.
The October 7 Hamas attacks, which sparked the current conflict, resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 252 Israelis and foreigners. Of the 73 remaining hostages, over 30 are believed to be dead. The release deal has sparked intense debate, with concerns over its implications for regional security and the ongoing conflict.
This development marks a critical moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the potential to shape future negotiations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
