Large crowds gathering in southern Gaza to meet freed prisoners
Large crowds are gathering in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where hundreds of freed Palestinians are expected to arrive soon at Nasser Medical Complex.
The Red Cross is overseeing the logistics of the prisoner exchange, including the transfer of Palestinian detainees to a designated medical point in Khan Younis, set up inside Nasser Hospital specifically for this day.
Doctors and nurses at the site say they are standing by to receive the prisoners, who will undergo medical checks before being reunited with their families.
Thousands of Palestinians have gathered outside the hospital, waiting to welcome the released detainees. Witnesses say the atmosphere is one of anticipation and relief, with families arriving from across Gaza in hopes of seeing their loved ones.
Medical staff say prisoners released in previous exchanges often arrive exhausted, weak and malnourished, after months in detention under harsh conditions. Many are also described as mentally drained from their time in custody.
ICRC vehicles arrive in Khan Younis
A Red Cross bus and a number of other vehicles from the organisation have arrived in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, where Palestinians are eagerly awaiting the release of Palestinian prisoners who will be brought to Nasser Medical Complex.
Uncertainty looms over Palestinian prisoners’ release
Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Jordan, says 12 Palestinian prisoners set to be released back to the occupied West Bank will now be exiled, according to family members who were informed late last night of the change.
“Those who already knew of their sons being exiled tried to leave the occupied West Bank yesterday but were denied by the Israeli authorities,” she added. “There are a lot of emotions right now.”
Moreover, Odeh said, there was uncertainty about when Israel would release the Palestinian prisoners into Gaza.
Buses seen outside Israel’s Ofer prison
A number of white buses with Israeli flags and vehicles with flashing lights are being seen outside Israel’s Ofer military prison, in the occupied West Bank, where many of the Palestinian prisoners due to be released today are being held.
Vehicles move outside the Israeli military prison, Ofer, on the day Israel is expected to release Palestinian prisoners as part of a swap and a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel
Red Cross crews transporting sick Palestinian prisoner from Israeli jail
Wafa is reporting that Palestinian Red Crescent crews have entered Israel’s Ofer prison to “transport a sick prisoner who is scheduled to be released” today.
