Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners as part of ceasefire deal

TEL AVIV, Israel

Ninety Palestinian Authority terrorists incarcerated at Ofer Prison were released Sunday evening after first awaiting the arrival of the three female hostages who were freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Red Cross vehicles at Ofer Prison await the release of 90 Palestinian Authority terrorists in exchange for three Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Jan. 19, 2025

The prisoners remained in detention until the three young women arrived in Israeli territory.

Israel’s Prison Service began processing the prisoners earlier in the day in anticipation of their release in accordance with the outline of the temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal reached with Hamas.

Once the processing was complete, fighters from the Nachshon Unit – the central escort unit of the Prison Service – transferred the terrorists to the central reception point in Ofer Prison, where they were identified by Red Cross representatives as they awaited the hostages’ return.

People gather around a bus carrying freed Palestinian prisoners near Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank on 20 January 2025

The terrorists were then transported by Red Cross vehicles with darkened windows from the prison to various release points in Judea, Samaria and eastern Jerusalem.

In preparation for the release of Palestinian Authority prisoners, the IDF Central Command has been reinforced with additional combat soldiers for defensive and offensive operations across Judea and Samaria, the IDF said.

The troops are stationed on key routes where additional checkpoints will be established and will operate to thwart terrorist activity and violent riots.