Israel to Begin Release of Palestinian Prisoners Amid Cease-Fire Agreement

Beginning Sunday, Israel will start the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of a cease-fire and hostage deal with Hamas, with strong opinions on the prisoners held on both sides of the conflict.

Israel is set to initiate the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, adhering to an agreement linked to a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. This process, spanning 42 days, will see at least 90 prisoners freed in exchange for three Israeli hostages. The status of these prisoners evokes a complex narrative: while Israeli authorities categorize many as terrorists and murderers, Palestinians view them as freedom fighters who resisted Israeli control, often claiming that some were unjustly imprisoned under a biased military justice system.

Among the notable names slated for release is Zakaria Zubeidi, a figure who embodies the multifaceted nature of this conflict. Over the last two decades, Zubeidi, now 49, has transitioned between roles as a militant leader, a theater director, and an escaped prisoner—his dramatic escape garnering attention from both Israelis and Palestinians. Rising to prominence during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s, Zubeidi led significant militant actions against Israelis while commanding the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, a militia tied to the Fatah political party.

This upcoming release not only serves humanitarian interests but also symbolizes evolving dynamics in the longstanding conflict, stirring sentiments and reactions across the region.