As part of the first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, the Israeli occupation authorities released 96 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison in the western part of Ramallah, most of whom had been serving life sentences under harsh conditions.

The Israeli occupation forces on Sunday freed 96 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah, as part of the initial stage of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. The prisoners were transferred by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to the Ramallah Cultural Palace in Beitunia, where hundreds of families anxiously awaited their return.

The ICRC informed the Palestinian Ministry of Health that many of the released detainees are elderly and suffer from chronic illnesses and skin diseases caused by years of deliberate medical neglect in occupation prisons.

During the release process, occupation forces violently dispersed families gathered near Ofer Prison, injuring a young man with live ammunition and causing dozens to suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers also raided Beitunia town, firing sound bombs and tear gas at civilians, journalists, and nearby homes, leading to multiple cases of suffocation. Leaflets were dropped warning families not to hold celebrations for the released prisoners.

Earlier in the day, the ICRC confirmed that the Palestinian resistance in Gaza handed over 20 zionist captives in two groups to the occupation authorities, as part of the first stage of the exchange deal. Under the plan, 250 Palestinian prisoners—many serving life sentences—are expected to be freed in exchange for all zionist captives held in Gaza. Of these, 96 were released from Ofer and 154 from the Negev’s Waktziot Prison. Most will be transferred to Gaza before being deported to Egypt.

The ceasefire and prisoner swap are part of the Middle East peace plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on September 29, aimed at ending the devastating war in Gaza, ensuring the withdrawal of occupation forces, and allowing the entry of humanitarian aid.

According to Palestinian prisoner associations, more than 11,000 Palestinians remain behind bars under inhumane conditions characterized by torture, starvation, and systematic medical neglect—conditions that have led to the deaths of numerous detainees. As of October 2025, 350 prisoners are serving life terms, 40 face potential life sentences, 53 women—including three from Gaza—remain imprisoned, around 400 minors are detained, and roughly 3,380 Palestinians are held without trial.

Since October 7, 2023, the zionist occupation has carried out a genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip, killing over 67,800 Palestinians, injuring more than 170,000—mostly women and children—and triggering a famine that has claimed 463 lives, including 157 children.(ILKHA)