In a remarkable display of resistance, the Palestinian people welcomed the second group of liberated prisoners as part of a historic exchange deal between Hamas and the Israeli occupation. This batch included six of the oldest female prisoners and 33 children, symbolizing a significant step towards justice and freedom.
Defiance and Joy Amidst Oppression
Amidst the occupation’s attempts to suppress any celebration, the liberated prisoners arrived in several groups to the cities of Al-Bireh, Beitunia, and occupied Jerusalem on Saturday night and early Sunday. Defying the oppressive measures, the liberators carried the freed prisoners on their shoulders, proudly waving Palestinian flags, and chanting in solidarity with the people of Gaza and the Palestinian resistance.
Heart-touching| The first moments after the release of Palestinian prisoner 16-year-old Noorhan Awwad, reuniting with her family. pic.twitter.com/KsX1kocCOE
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) November 26, 2023
However, amidst the joy, a sense of sadness and pain permeated the homes of the liberated individuals, their families, and the general public in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem. Israa Al-Jaabis, one of the freed prisoners, expressed her mixed emotions, stating, “We are ashamed to rejoice while all of Palestine is wounded.” She emphasized the urgent need to continue working towards the release of all prisoners still held by the occupation.
بالصورة | الأسيرة #إسراء_جعابيص عقب الإفراج عنها من سجون الاحتلال pic.twitter.com/GsSgJhci0L
— قناة المنار (@TVManar1) November 25, 2023
The destruction left behind the occupying Israeli army after a 12-hour raid of the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. pic.twitter.com/jL4h8vliXt
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) November 26, 2023
The release of the prisoners shed light on the harsh conditions endured within the occupation prisons. Maysoon al-Jabali, the oldest prisoner, revealed the mistreatment and beatings suffered by female prisoners, many of whom fell ill due to the oppressive environment. Shorouk Dwayyat, another freed prisoner, shared her concerns for those left behind, highlighting the severe repression, starvation, thirst, and overcrowding experienced by female prisoners.
HEART-TOUCHING: The moment when Palestinian prisoner Malak Suliman meets her mother after being released from the illegal Israeli jails as a part of prisoner exchange deal.pic.twitter.com/Ov5W7i8U7h
— AlQastal News (@QastalNewsEn) November 25, 2023
The testimonies also exposed the plight of child prisoners. Omar Shweiki, who was arrested by the occupation authorities at the age of 15, disclosed that exercise was denied to them for 50 days. He further revealed the presence of numerous children between the ages of 13 and 15 within the occupation prisons, painting a distressing picture of the young lives affected by the ongoing conflict.
The destruction left behind the occupying Israeli army after a 12-hour raid of the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. pic.twitter.com/jL4h8vliXt
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) November 26, 2023
Prior to the release of the second group of prisoners, the occupation forces resorted to suppressing the press and medical crews gathered at the gate of Ofer Prison. Journalists were assaulted, tear gas bombs were deployed, and rubber bullets were fired, all in an attempt to hinder the coverage of this historic event.
As the Palestinian resistance continues to fight for justice and freedom, the release of these prisoners serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people. Despite the challenges faced, their unwavering spirit remains unbroken, inspiring hope for a future where all Palestinians can live in peace and dignity.
Source: Palestinian media (translated by Al-Manar English Website)
