"Israel" to release 183 Palestinian detainees in fifth prisoner swap

As part of the fifth round of the ceasefire and prisoner deal with Hamas, "Israel" will release 183 Palestinian political prisoners on Saturday.

The deal, which involves the exchange of these detainees for "Israeli" captives Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami, includes several senior leaders officials, and individuals with long prison sentences.

Read more: Fifth round of Hamas-Israeli Occupation prisoner swaps

Among the most notable figures being released is Hamas armed wing the Qassam Brigades member Iyad Abu Shkheidem, who orchestrated explosives for a human bombing attack in 2004 in Beer Sheeba, killing 18 "Israelis" and injuring 80. He was also allegedly implicated in preparing explosives for a planned attack in Jerusalem.

Another prominent figure is Hatem al-Jayusi, co-founder of the Aqsa Brigades, who is serving six life sentences for his role in attacks during the Second Intifada. Other prominent detainees include Shadi Al-Barghouti, convicted of attacks inside "Israel" and serving 27 years, and Jamal Al-Tawil, a senior Hamas leader arrested in 2021 for allegedly reorganizing Hamas activities in the West Bank.

Additionally, Falah Ratib Shahadeh, a Fatah member who was arrested in 2004 for recruiting resistance cells and carrying out attacks. Other individuals on the list include Yousef al-Mabhouh, who was convicted for his involvement in rocket launches and resistance activities, and Jamal Tawil, a senior Hamas leader active in organizing riots in the West Bank.

Another Fatah operative who will be released is Ahmad Atiya Ibrahim al-Ja’afrah, who was initially sentenced to life imprisonment and will be exiled upon his release.

Some of the released detainees, including Ali Haroub, were allegedly involved in planning high-profile attacks, such as kidnappings, with the help of security prisoners within “Israeli” jails.

The release of these detai9nees is part of a broader agreement that will see 183 individuals freed, including 111 from Gaza, who were arrested after October 7, 2023. A total of 72 detainees from the West Bank will also be released. 

The prisoner swap comes after a series of prior releases, including the fourth round, which freed 183 detainees, and the third round, which released 110 Palestinian detainees, including 32 serving life sentences.

Notably, seven of the released detainees will be deported outside Palestine, and the breakdown of affiliations includes 38 from Hamas, 30 from Fatah, one from Islamic Jihad, and three unaffiliated individuals.

Ahead of the prisoner exchange, “Israeli” forces conducted raids in the West Bank, targeting the homes of detainees scheduled for release. Additionally, the “Israeli” military warned detainees not to celebrate the release of their family members.

This detainee's release marks another significant step in the ongoing ceasefire and captive negotiations between “Israel” and Hamas, continuing a process that has already seen the release of hundreds of detainees in earlier stages of the agreement.