On Sunday, around 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees were released from Israeli jails into the occupied West Bank as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The exchange coincided with the release of three Israeli women, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, who had been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza for 471 days. This marked the beginning of a planned six-week ceasefire aimed at ending the 15-month-long conflict, with further exchanges anticipated in the coming weeks.

In Ramallah, the release of the Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors, was met with scenes of jubilation. Hundreds gathered in a traffic circle to greet the freed individuals, waving Palestinian flags and celebrating despite the cold weather. Many of the young men, still dressed in what appeared to be Israeli prison uniforms, were carried on the shoulders of family and friends. The Palestinian Authority's Commission for Prisoners' Affairs confirmed the demographics of those freed, emphasizing the emotional significance of their return to their families.

CARGO to INDIA - New Year Special Deal-BOOK NOW

The three Israeli hostages were handed over to Israeli forces by the Red Cross after leaving Gaza City under Hamas supervision. They were driven across the border to a reception center, where they were reunited with their mothers before being taken to a hospital near Tel Aviv for medical evaluations and further treatment. Negotiations to extend the ceasefire and facilitate additional exchanges are expected to follow in the coming weeks, providing a glimmer of hope in a deeply divided region.