Bus Departs Israeli Jail with 369 Freed Palestinian Prisoners

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-18 08:40:38 |

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First Bus Departs Israeli Jail with Freed Palestinian Prisoners

The first bus carrying freed Palestinian prisoners and detainees left Israel’s Ofer prison in the West Bank on February 15, 2025. Live TV footage captured the moment the bus began its journey, marking a significant development in the ongoing ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. A total of 369 Palestinian prisoners are set to be released as part of a broader agreement stemming from mediation efforts.

Release Amid Ceasefire Agreement

The prisoners’ release follows the handover of three Israeli hostages — Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov — to the Red Cross. This exchange took place after successful negotiations facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, which helped maintain a fragile ceasefire. The ceasefire has held for nearly a month, temporarily halting hostilities between Hamas and Israel.

International Mediation Leads to Diplomatic Breakthrough

Efforts by international mediators played a crucial role in securing the deal. Egypt and Qatar worked diligently behind the scenes to broker an agreement that would ensure the hostages' release while keeping the ceasefire intact. These diplomatic efforts are seen as a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise volatile region.

Implications of the Prisoner Exchange

The exchange of prisoners and hostages is a key moment in the ongoing conflict. Hamas has often used prisoners as bargaining chips, and the current release underscores the delicate nature of Israeli-Palestinian relations. While this moment brings temporary relief, the situation remains highly unstable, and the fate of the ceasefire hangs in the balance.

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