Thousands of Palestinians Celebrate the Release of Detainees Under Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Deal
January 26, 2025
12:32 PM
Reading time: 4 minutes

Thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza gathered on Saturday to celebrate the release of prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. Many carried freed detainees on their shoulders through jubilant crowds, waving Palestinian flags and those of groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Fatah movement, which is led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The celebrations came after a significant exchange, with 200 Palestinians freed, some of whom had been serving life sentences for involvement in deadly attacks. In return, four Israeli hostages were also released.
In Ramallah, the streets were filled with chants of praise for Hamas as prisoners were welcomed home. Similar scenes played out in Gaza, where crowds gathered to cheer for the 16 detainees who arrived at the European Gaza Hospital for medical checks, chanting "Allahu Akbar" ("God is greatest") and expressing support for Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades.
The release has brought a sense of victory for many Palestinians. Among those released were individuals who had committed violent acts against Israelis, with some convicted of murders. Palestinian officials and supporters refer to the freed detainees as "heroes" and "freedom fighters," while Israel insists that those convicted of terrorism-related charges will not be allowed to return home.
Mohammad Al-Arda, a former member of Islamic Jihad who had been sentenced to life plus 15 years, expressed his overwhelming joy at being freed, noting that the happiness of his people also brought him joy.
The Ongoing Ceasefire Agreement
The deal also includes stipulations about the return of displaced people in Gaza. Hamas expects Israel to honor the agreement by pulling forces from roads dividing northern and southern Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands to return home. However, Israel has expressed concerns that Hamas is not fully complying with the terms, particularly regarding the release of civilian hostages like Arbel Yehoud, which was not fulfilled as agreed.
Trump Calls on Jordan and Egypt to Take More Palestinians Amid Gaza Crisis
US President Donald Trump has called on Jordan and Egypt to take in more Palestinians from Gaza, citing the dire situation in the Gaza Strip. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump expressed concern over the ongoing instability in Gaza, describing it as a “real mess.” During a phone call with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Trump suggested that Jordan could help alleviate the crisis by taking in more Palestinian refugees.
Trump also stated that he intended to speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday about the possibility of Egypt offering assistance. "I’d like Egypt to take people," he said, highlighting the urgency of addressing the situation in Gaza.
The proposal has sparked strong reactions from Israeli officials. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed support for the idea, suggesting that the relocation of Gaza’s population could offer them an opportunity to start new lives. He also emphasized the need for "out-of-the-box thinking" to resolve the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir also voiced his approval of Trump's suggestion, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take action on the idea and promote voluntary emigration for Palestinians in Gaza.
While the proposal is seen by some as an innovative solution to an ongoing crisis, it remains to be seen how Jordan and Egypt will respond to Trump's call, and whether such a plan could realistically be implemented.