Israel releases Palestinian prisoners linked to deadly attacks on civilians
In a recent exchange for hostages captured by Hamas, Israel released 369 Palestinian detainees, including individuals linked to suicide bombings and attempted murders. Among the released prisoners, 36 were serving life sentences in Israeli prisons, with only 12 allowed to return to their homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while the remaining 24 were sent into exile.
The prisoners were handed white sweatshirts by the Israeli Prison Service upon their release, adorned with a Star of David, the Prison Service logo, and the phrase “Never forgive, never forget” in Arabic on both the front and back. Shockingly, a video later surfaced showing these sweatshirts being burned, symbolizing the deep-seated animosity between the two sides.
Two of the prisoners who returned to the West Bank were Ibrahim and Musa Sarahneh, who had been incarcerated for over 22 years for their involvement in suicide bombings during the second intifada. Their brother, Khalil Sarahneh, convicted of attempted murder in 2002, was sent to Egypt.
Hassan Aweis, sentenced to life in 2002 for voluntary manslaughter, planting explosive devices, and attempted murder, was one of the few prisoners welcomed by jubilant crowds in Ramallah. A member of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, a designated terrorist organization by the U.S., Aweis had been involved in planning attacks during the second intifada.
Another prisoner, Abdel Karim Aweis, serving the equivalent of six life sentences for various charges including attempted murder and assault, was also transferred to Egypt. Ahmed Barghouti, a former commander in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, was sent to Egypt as well. Barghouti had been given a life sentence for dispatching attackers and suicide bombers during the second intifada.
Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Fatah leader and close associate of Ahmed Barghouti, remains in Israeli custody. Described by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a key figure in the Second Intifada, Marwan Barghouti was convicted on multiple counts of murder and showed no remorse during his trials.
The release of these prisoners has reignited tensions between Israel and Palestine, highlighting the complexities and challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region. The struggle for justice, reconciliation, and coexistence continues as both sides navigate a delicate path towards a sustainable resolution.
