Sat Feb 15 11:18:34 UTC 2025: ## Jubilant Welcome for Released Palestinian Prisoners in Ramallah
**RAMALLAH, West Bank –** A joyous crowd greeted 369 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel on Saturday as part of a prisoner exchange deal connected to the recent Gaza ceasefire. The prisoners, arriving by bus in Ramallah, were met with cheers, waving flags, and emotional reunions with family members. Many were hoisted onto the shoulders of the celebrating crowd. One poignant moment saw a newly released prisoner kissing a baby.
Unlike previous releases, the prisoners were not wearing their prison uniforms, instead opting for jackets. This contrasts with earlier footage from Israeli television which showed the prisoners before their release wearing sweatshirts bearing the Israeli prison service logo, including a Star of David, and the slogan “We will not forget and we will not forgive.”
The release is part of a broader prisoner exchange tied to the October 7th Hamas attack and the subsequent war. The prisoners’ release was contingent on the return of three Israelis held hostage in Gaza since the attack. The deal was nearly jeopardized when Hamas briefly halted the releases, citing alleged Israeli violations of the truce. However, the release ultimately proceeded as planned. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club confirmed the number of released inmates. The prisoners received brief medical checkups following their arrival.
First Piper 