Hamas has handed over all 20 living Israeli captives held in the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire agreement. In return, Palestinians across Gaza and the occupied West Bank are waiting for the release of nearly 2,000 prisoners from Israeli jails.
Among those awaiting release was Muhammad Imran, whose family gathered early in hope of welcoming him home. Their joy turned to heartbreak when they learned that Muhammad was among more than 100 Palestinian political prisoners whom Israel has decided to exile abroad. This means his family may never see him again unless they are permitted to leave Palestine.
Muhammad, 43, was arrested in December 2022 and sentenced to 13 life terms. His sister Ibtisam and brother Raed were initially overjoyed after receiving a call from an Israeli intelligence officer confirming his release.
Hamas has handed over all 20 living Israeli captives
“I received a call from an Israeli officer who said my brother would be freed,” Raed recounted. “He told us not to celebrate or receive visitors. Later that night, the Israeli army raided our home to ask where Muhammad would stay after his release.”
“Today’s news was devastating,” Raed added. “But we’re still waiting maybe we’ll see him again someday. What matters most is that he’s free, whether here or abroad.”
Meanwhile, live television footage showed buses believed to be transporting Palestinian prisoners leaving Ofer prison under Red Cross supervision.
In Israel, the family of Matan Angrest one of the captives freed under the ceasefire said they were “filled with deep gratitude.”
“Our beloved boy has returned to us after two difficult years,” they said in a statement. “We admire his strength and can’t stop hugging him.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the ceasefire’s finalisation in Sharm el-Sheikh as “a historic milestone,” pledging EU support for reforming the Palestinian Authority and funding Gaza’s reconstruction.
“The return of the Israeli hostages is a moment of pure joy for their families and relief for the world,” she wrote on X. “Europe fully supports the peace plan brokered by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye. We will help ensure its success, including through governance support and reconstruction aid for Gaza.”
Hamas has handed over all 20 living Israeli captives but The Israeli army later confirmed it had received the final 13 captives released by Hamas.
