Over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners freed in Gaza ceasefire deal

Prisoner exchange agreement sees over 1,000 Palestinian detainees swapped for Israeli captives in Gaza.

Israeli soldiers guard Palestinian detainees who are bound and blindfolded in Gaza on December 8, 2024, in a photograph reviewed by the Israeli military as part of the photographer’s embed conditions. Photo by Moti Milrod/AP

By Clarisa Sendy and Nada Fadiyah

More than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, many held without charge for years in Israeli prisons, are preparing for their first taste of freedom under the terms of a newly brokered ceasefire deal. This prisoner exchange, involving both Palestinian detainees and Israeli captives held in Gaza, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.

The exact number of detainees to be released remains uncertain. Media reports vary on the ratios and specifics of the exchange, with some focusing on the distinction between those serving life sentences and others with shorter terms. The ceasefire agreement's full text has not yet been made public, leaving many details shrouded in speculation.

According to the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, over 10,400 Palestinians are currently imprisoned in Israel. This figure excludes those detained during the past 15 months of intensified conflict in Gaza. The Israeli Ministry of Justice has released a preliminary list of 95 Palestinian women and children slated for release on Sunday, should the ceasefire implementation proceed as planned. Beyond this, the names of other prisoners remain undisclosed.

The first phase of this three-stage prisoner exchange agreement involves the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli captives. These captives are part of an estimated 100 individuals held in Gaza.

Reports suggest that the exchange includes 110 Palestinians serving life sentences, swapped for nine ill and wounded Israeli captives. Additional exchanges involve Israeli men over the age of 50, traded at a ratio of 1:3 for life-sentenced Palestinians, and 1:27 for those with lesser charges. These ratios reflect negotiations mediated by international actors in Doha.

Prisoner exchanges have long been a contentious yet recurring feature in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Past deals, such as the 1983 exchange of over 4,500 Palestinians for six Israeli soldiers, and the 2011 swap involving Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, underscore the complex dynamics at play.

Among those potentially set for release is Khalida Jarrar, a prominent figure in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Jarrar's inclusion in the exchange list has sparked discussions about the broader political implications of such releases. High-profile detainees like Marwan Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat, however, remain in question. Barghouti, a unifying political figure and key author of the Palestinian Prisoners’ Document, has consistently ranked as a favored candidate for future Palestinian presidential elections. His release could significantly impact Palestinian politics.

Ahmed Saadat, the head of the PFLP, has been a focus of contention since his imprisonment over allegations of involvement in the 2001 assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Ze’evi. Despite initial decisions by Israel's Justice Ministry not to prosecute him for the killing, Saadat remains a high-profile detainee whose status continues to draw international attention.

The release of Palestinian prisoners has reignited scrutiny of the conditions within Israeli detention facilities. Human rights organizations, including B’Tselem and Human Rights Watch, have consistently criticized the treatment of Palestinian detainees. Reports published in mid-2024 documented systemic issues, including torture, sexual abuse, and the mistreatment of children. B’Tselem described these facilities as “torture camps,” while far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the prison system, controversially acknowledged the harsh conditions.

More than 3,000 Palestinian detainees are held under administrative detention, a policy allowing imprisonment without charge or trial. This practice has drawn widespread condemnation from international human rights groups, who argue that it undermines the principles of justice and due process.

The current exchange deal comes amid heightened tensions and violence in the region. Both sides have faced mounting international pressure to reach a ceasefire agreement and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. For Palestinians, the release of prisoners represents a significant victory, symbolizing resistance and resilience in the face of occupation.

For Israel, the exchange underscores the complex balance between ensuring the safe return of captives and addressing security concerns. Past experiences, such as the rearrest of prisoners following the 2014 abduction of three Israeli teenagers, highlight the challenges of navigating these delicate agreements.

As the first stage of the agreement unfolds, the focus will remain on the implementation process and its potential to ease tensions in the region. While the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners marks a significant step, questions linger about the long-term impact on Israeli-Palestinian relations.

For the detainees and their families, this moment represents hope and a renewed sense of freedom. For the broader region, it is a reminder of the enduring complexities of achieving peace. The coming days will reveal whether this historic exchange can pave the way for more substantial progress or serve as a temporary reprieve in a long-standing conflict.