Israel is set to release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the 42-day initial cease-fire agreement, beginning with at least 90 on Sunday in exchange for three Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Many Palestinians view the prisoners as freedom fighters against Israeli rule, while Israelis believe they are terrorists and murderers. Among the most prominent prisoners set to be released are Zakaria Zubeidi, a former militant leader, Wissam Abbasi, Mohammad Odeh, and Wael Qassim who were involved in Hamas attacks during the Second Intifada, and Khalida Jarrar, a leader in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Zakaria Zubeidi, who has a tumultuous history as a militant, theater director, and escaped prisoner, was arrested by Israel on charges of returning to militancy in 2019. In 2021, he and five other prisoners conducted a high-profile jailbreak that was later recaptured. Wissam Abbasi, Mohammad Odeh, and Wael Qassim were involved in a Hamas cell responsible for multiple bombings during the Second Intifada. They were given life sentences for murder and other crimes. Khalida Jarrar, a leader in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, has spent much of the past decade in Israeli prison without formal charges. Her husband has expressed concern over her well-being and the conditions of her incarceration.
The release of these high-profile prisoners as part of the cease-fire agreement is a significant step towards peace in the region, with both sides making concessions to work towards a lasting cease-fire and resolution of the conflict. Israel’s decision to release these prisoners is a gesture of goodwill towards the Palestinians, while the Palestinians see the release as a step towards justice for those they consider freedom fighters.
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