Palestinian Youth Overwhelmed with Joy after Being Granted Freedom

On Saturday, a total of 39 Palestinian teenagers and women were freed from Israeli prisons, further solidifying the ceasefire deal that appeared to be in danger. These prisoners were released as part of an arrangement that saw the return of 26 Israeli hostages who were taken on October 7. The release of these individuals brings the overall number of Palestinians freed since the temporary ceasefire began to 78. One of those released, Mohammad dar-Darwish, aged 17, expressed his overwhelming happiness at being able to return home. However, the exchange was delayed due to accusations made by Hamas. They claimed that Israel had altered the agreed list of prisoners to be released, and also raised concerns over the lack of guaranteed aid shipments reaching Gaza as part of the deal. Fortunately, last-minute mediation involving Qatar and Egypt allowed the handover of the prisoners to proceed. Israel, denying any violation of the agreement, stated that the ceasefire has now entered its third day as of Sunday. As a coach carrying the released Palestinians made its way through the West Bank, it was met with a crowd of people, including some waving the green flag of Hamas. Among those released, six were women, while the others were all under the age of 18. Mohammad dar-Darwish, who was held for seven months in an Israeli jail accused of throwing a petrol bomb at soldiers, denied the charge. Overjoyed at being reunited with his father and brother in the welcoming crowd, he shared his account of mistreatment suffered by Palestinian prisoners following the attack on October 7. In response, Israel's prison service claimed it treats prisoners in accordance with the law. Under the agreement reached with Hamas, Israel has compiled a list of 300 Palestinian prisoners, mostly teenage boys, who are eligible for release. The majority of those on the list are awaiting trial, with less than a quarter having been convicted. Among the women released was Israa Jaabis, who had been sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2015 after her car caught fire at a checkpoint in the West Bank. Although Israel considered it an attempted car bombing and convicted her, Jaabis, now 38 years old, denied the charge. Her family has previously suggested that the fire started due to an engine fault. Despite suffering serious facial burns, Jaabis' requests for surgery were denied by Israel's prison authorities. After serving eight years of her sentence, Jaabis was pictured embracing her 15-year-old son Mua'tassim, who was eight years old when his mother was arrested. On Saturday evening, a second group of Israeli hostages - all women and children - were released from Gaza. More detainees and hostages are expected to be released on Sunday as part of the agreement.