Joy in Ramallah as Palestinians welcome freed prisoners
The occupied West Bank city of Ramallah erupted in joy on Saturday afternoon as Palestinians welcomed 114 prisoners, including many serving life sentences, who were released from Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
Israel released 200 prisoners on Saturday: 107 were sent to Ramallah, five to Jerusalem, one to Umm al-Fahm - a Palestinian city in Israel - and 16 to Gaza. An additional 70 prisoners were taken to Egypt, from where they will be deported to other countries.
The release of the prisoners to the West Bank took place from Ofer military prison, west of Ramallah, a few hours after Hamas freed four female soldiers as part of the second phase of captive release operations outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
Before the release of the Palestinian prisoners, Israel imposed strict measures to prevent any celebrations in the West Bank. Israeli forces raided Beitunia, the town nearest to Ofer Prison, and blocked Palestinians from approaching the area. They also raided the homes of several prisoners, warning families not to hold celebratory events.