Israel Prison Service to take measures against celebrations when Palestinian detainees are released

The Israel Prison Service said on Friday that it was taking measures to prevent any "public displays of joy" when Palestinian prisoners are released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

It said in a statement that it was preparing for the release of prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives held in Gaza, which the prime minister's office said could begin on Sunday.

The prison service said that two jails, one near Jerusalem and another near the southern city of Ashkelon, had begun preparations for the releases by gathering prisoners to be freed.

"The commissioner of the Israel Prison Service, Major General Kobi Yakobi, instructed that.. to prevent public displays of joy in Ashkelon and other areas of Israel, the escort from 'Shikma' Prison will not be handled by civilian buses of the (International Committee of the) Red Cross," the statement said.

Reporting by AFP