Israel releases 39 Palestinian prisoners under hostage deal

[CharlieH]

 

Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners Friday as part of the first round of exchanges with Hamas, which had earlier freed hostages from Israel, Thailand and the Philippines.

The Foreign Ministry of Qatar, which mediated the negotiations on the deal to release detainees, has confirmed the 39 Palestinian prisoners were released Friday.

 

The Palestinians were sent home at around the same time as the 24 hostages held by Hamas crossed into Egypt and then into Israel on Friday.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which is transferring both Israeli and Palestinian prisoners and hostages, said so far 33 Palestinian detainees from the Israeli-run Ofer Prison have arrived in Ramallah, the de facto capitol of the West Bank.

The exchange Friday is the first part of what is expected to be the release of a total of 50 hostages held by Hamas and 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jail over four days.

Over that period, there will also be a temporary pause in the fighting and the flow of more humanitarian aid into besieged Gaza.

The Palestinian prisoners freed Friday were women and children, which Hamas had asked to be released in the first batch. Videos circulating on social media have shown some of the prisoners being greeted by family, friends and supporters.

Hamas in turn has released 13 Israeli citizens, 10 Thai and one Filipino, according to Qatar and Israeli authorities.

 

FULL STORY

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

Here's the video put out by Hamas, includes footage of the Thai hostages that were released:

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

Here are some of the Hamas "child" terrorists released in the West Bank, in exchange for innocent Israeli women and children:

 

source

 

"Terrorist Roda Agamiya after being released : "We are the sword of Muhammad Daf". 

Muhammad Daf, arch-terrorist - the head of the military wing of Hamas."

 

[Wobblybob]

20 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Here are some of the Hamas "child" terrorists released in the West Bank, in exchange for innocent Israeli women and children:

Sky News latest Hamas propagandist Yalda Hakim has described these young men as "children". 

[Wobblybob]

Two of the children that have been exchanged, one Israeli and one Palestinian.🥴

 

 

[Jingthing]

Hamas is playing Israel like a fiddle.

[Morch]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Hamas is playing Israel like a fiddle.

 

You can look at it this way.

 

Or you can see Hamas pushed into a position where it cannot ignore the death toll and destruction meted. Consider the 'exchange rate', which used to stand at hundreds (or more) for a single Israeli hostage/captive. Or the fact that the halt in Israeli operations is conditional on the Hamas sticking to the arrangement, and with no assurances it would stop after hostages are released.

 

So far, there is no universal pressure on Israel to withdraw, no Israeli opposition to ongoing operations. And other than hot air - not much support for the Palestinians (let alone, Hamas).

 

In comparison to previous iterations, this is the most Israel could expect.

[Jingthing]

11 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

You can look at it this way.

 

Or you can see Hamas pushed into a position where it cannot ignore the death toll and destruction meted. Consider the 'exchange rate', which used to stand at hundreds (or more) for a single Israeli hostage/captive. Or the fact that the halt in Israeli operations is conditional on the Hamas sticking to the arrangement, and with no assurances it would stop after hostages are released.

 

So far, there is no universal pressure on Israel to withdraw, no Israeli opposition to ongoing operations. And other than hot air - not much support for the Palestinians (let alone, Hamas).

 

In comparison to previous iterations, this is the most Israel could expect.

Yes but Hamas hasn't released any Americans or Israeli soldiers yet.

From their POV those released so far are low value. 

[Morch]

11 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Yes but Hamas hasn't released any Americans or Israeli soldiers yet.

From their POV those released so far are low value. 

 

As much as I may sympathize with their personal situation, the Israeli soldiers are fair game. That comes with being in uniform.

Unless mistaken the first two hostages released were Americans (or Israeli/USA dual nationality).

 

Obviously, Hamas will let go of those hostages that cause the worst PR. No surprises there. The test of how this will pan out is more to do with the next batches of hostages to be released, and whether terms would be adhered to or new demands raised.

[placnx]

51 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Yes but Hamas hasn't released any Americans or Israeli soldiers yet.

From their POV those released so far are low value. 

They released two Americans a while ago. They have stated that soldiers' release will require release of all Palestinan prisoners. There are many thousands when counting all those arrested without charge, which can mean detention for 20 years without court review. Some are pretty young children. People are being arrested on West Bank for posting on social media in support of Gazans under siege. What happened to free speech? 

[Jingthing]

41 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

As much as I may sympathize with their personal situation, the Israeli soldiers are fair game. That comes with being in uniform.

Unless mistaken the first two hostages released were Americans (or Israeli/USA dual nationality).

 

Obviously, Hamas will let go of those hostages that cause the worst PR. No surprises there. The test of how this will pan out is more to do with the next batches of hostages to be released, and whether terms would be adhered to or new demands raised.

Sounds like you're mistaken.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/no-americans-included-in-hamas-hostage-release-puts-biden-in-gop-crosshairs/ar-AA1kutw3

 

I'm not sure Israel can afford to trade even one soldier much less scads of them.

[JemJem]

8 hours ago, Wobblybob said:

Sky News latest Hamas propagandist Yalda Hakim has described these young men as "children". 

So, Yalda Hakim has gone to Sky. She used to be at CNN. 

[Morch]

2 hours ago, placnx said:

They released two Americans a while ago. They have stated that soldiers' release will require release of all Palestinan prisoners. There are many thousands when counting all those arrested without charge, which can mean detention for 20 years without court review. Some are pretty young children. People are being arrested on West Bank for posting on social media in support of Gazans under siege. What happened to free speech? 

 

Free speech in times of war? As in cheer leading the enemy? I don't think that's on in most countries.

[Morch]

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Sounds like you're mistaken.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/no-americans-included-in-hamas-hostage-release-puts-biden-in-gop-crosshairs/ar-AA1kutw3

 

I'm not sure Israel can afford to trade even one soldier much less scads of them.

 

There were four hostages released prior to the current exchange deal. The first two were Americans:

 

Family of American hostages freed by Hamas speaks out: 'It is not the end'

https://abcnews.go.com/International/israel-hamas-american-hostages-judith-natalie-raanan/story?id=104215713

[Morch]

3 hours ago, placnx said:

They released two Americans a while ago. They have stated that soldiers' release will require release of all Palestinan prisoners. There are many thousands when counting all those arrested without charge, which can mean detention for 20 years without court review. Some are pretty young children. People are being arrested on West Bank for posting on social media in support of Gazans under siege. What happened to free speech? 

 

"What happened to free speech?"

 

I dunno, maybe you ask these guys:

 

2 men executed in West Bank for allegedly spying for Israel, as mob cheers

https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-men-executed-in-west-bank-for-allegedly-spying-for-israel-as-mob-cheers/

[placnx]

On 11/25/2023 at 6:06 PM, Morch said:

 

Free speech in times of war? As in cheer leading the enemy? I don't think that's on in most countries.

It's sad that you think that Palestinians are the enemy. They can't express sympathy for carpet-bombed people? Hamas is another matter.

[Morch]

8 hours ago, placnx said:

It's sad that you think that Palestinians are the enemy. They can't express sympathy for carpet-bombed people? Hamas is another matter.

 

It is sad that you twist what I posted.

 

This is not about how I think of Palestinians, but how Israel authorities see it. In general, countries are less open on expressions of dissent, hostility and support for enemies during time of war. I do not believe this is something you're not aware of.

 

There is no 'carpet-bombing' other than in propaganda posts. This was addressed numerous times by now. Again an example of you trying to twist reality.

 

The clear differentiation that you allege in your last bit does not necessarily apply, or upheld as far as Palestinians go. Considering you own demonstrated failures on the post above, unsurprising you do not get this (or pretend not to). 

[thaibeachlovers]

On 11/25/2023 at 9:36 PM, placnx said:

They released two Americans a while ago. They have stated that soldiers' release will require release of all Palestinan prisoners. There are many thousands when counting all those arrested without charge, which can mean detention for 20 years without court review. Some are pretty young children. People are being arrested on West Bank for posting on social media in support of Gazans under siege. What happened to free speech? 

Free speech, israel? Not if you are Palestinian.

 

Apparently the released prisoners are aware that they are likely to be re arrested soon as the truce is over, and the conditions under which they are now living may as well be still in jail.

 

Youngest boy released as seen on Al Jazeera is 14. He must have been a real threat to those tough israelis.

[thaibeachlovers]

20 hours ago, placnx said:

It's sad that you think that Palestinians are the enemy. They can't express sympathy for carpet-bombed people? Hamas is another matter.

I don't understand how anyone can equate all Palestinians with Hamas, even the dead 10 year olds.

Somewhat sad, or worse, IMO.

 

Kids with legs blown off that are not even into puberty; this world of humans is toxic, IMO.

[thaibeachlovers]

On 11/25/2023 at 9:36 PM, placnx said:

There are many thousands when counting all those arrested without charge, which can mean detention for 20 years without court review.

IMO only country in the western sphere of influence that can get away with that, and only because the US vetoes anything that goes against israel in the UN. It's time to call time on that useless organisation. Keep the actually useful bits but get rid of the security council, which apparently doesn't provide "security" to anyone, unless it's in American interests to do so.

It's a wonder the secretary general hasn't been sacked already for saying October 7th didn't happen in a vacuum.

[Bkk Brian]

5 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I don't understand how anyone can equate all Palestinians with Hamas, even the dead 10 year olds.

Somewhat sad, or worse, IMO.

 

Kids with legs blown off that are not even into puberty; this world of humans is toxic, IMO.

Who is equating all Palestinians with Hamas, even the dead 10 year olds? Oh nobody just you, projecting................

[Nick Carter icp]

21 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I don't understand how anyone can equate all Palestinians with Hamas, even the dead 10 year olds.

Somewhat sad, or worse, IMO.

 

Kids with legs blown off that are not even into puberty; this world of humans is toxic, IMO.

 

  Do you care about adults , or is it just children that interest you ?

[Morch]

29 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Free speech, israel? Not if you are Palestinian.

 

Apparently the released prisoners are aware that they are likely to be re arrested soon as the truce is over, and the conditions under which they are now living may as well be still in jail.

 

Youngest boy released as seen on Al Jazeera is 14. He must have been a real threat to those tough israelis.

 

@thaibeachlovers

 

Next thing you'll claim that under the Hamas or the PA the situation of their freedom of speech rights is better. Unless you missed it, Israel is at war - often, such situations go with increased restrictions of freedom of speech regarding relevant matters. Not unique.

 

Many of the Palestinians released during the last big swap (the Shalit thing) turned back to being involved in terrorism and such. As far as I'm aware, none were arrested just after release, though. Sounds like you're making things up again.

 

As for your last comment - would be helpful if you provided a link, a name, or context. You do not, for obvious reasons. Some of the young Palestinians released were directly involved in attacks on Israelis. You may choose to ignore this, doesn't change facts.

[Morch]

32 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I don't understand how anyone can equate all Palestinians with Hamas, even the dead 10 year olds.

Somewhat sad, or worse, IMO.

 

Kids with legs blown off that are not even into puberty; this world of humans is toxic, IMO.

 

@thaibeachlovers

 

There was not such 'equation', other than in the poster's allegation. You simply repeat it without any foundation.

You don't seem to care much about Israeli kids, guess them being killed, hurt or taken hostage is legit in your eyes.

[Morch]

32 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

IMO only country in the western sphere of influence that can get away with that, and only because the US vetoes anything that goes against israel in the UN. It's time to call time on that useless organisation. Keep the actually useful bits but get rid of the security council, which apparently doesn't provide "security" to anyone, unless it's in American interests to do so.

It's a wonder the secretary general hasn't been sacked already for saying October 7th didn't happen in a vacuum.

 

@thaibeachlovers

 

More of your anti-USA nonsense. Do you air as many objections when China or Russia apply their Veto right? Do they not protect their interests as well?And do tell - which parts of the UN are the 'useful bits', and what sort of international cooperation is expected from major countries under your new global plan?

Edited November 29, 2023 by Morch

[Nick Carter icp]

38 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

 

 

Apparently the released prisoners are aware that they are likely to be re arrested soon as the truce is over, and the conditions under which they are now living may as well be still in jail.

 

 

 

   They got jailed for committing offences and they should serve their full jail term .

Forcing you way out of jail or escaping doesn't mean you jail sentence is quashed or just  or forgotten  about 

   They will still have to serve their jail sentence 

[Morch]

4 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   They got jailed for committing offences and they should serve their full jail term .

Forcing you way out of jail or escaping doesn't mean you jail sentence is quashed or just  or forgotten  about 

   They will still have to serve their jail sentence 

 

As far as I'm aware, that never happens.

If the either breach the terms of release or retake terrorist activities, that's another thing.

But they are not re-incarcerated again for their old crimes as soon as possible.

[Nick Carter icp]

2 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Free speech, israel? Not if you are Palestinian.

 

Apparently the released prisoners are aware that they are likely to be re arrested soon as the truce is over, and the conditions under which they are now living may as well be still in jail.

 

Youngest boy released as seen on Al Jazeera is 14. He must have been a real threat to those tough israelis.

 

   That doesn't seem to have happened before , released prisoners stay released until they commit other crimes for which they can be arrested for .

    Will Hamas agree to not retaking the same hostages again ?

[Nick Carter icp]

3 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Free speech, israel? Not if you are Palestinian.

 

Apparently the released prisoners are aware that they are likely to be re arrested soon as the truce is over, and the conditions under which they are now living may as well be still in jail.

 

Youngest boy released as seen on Al Jazeera is 14. He must have been a real threat to those tough israelis.

 

   Are you displaying your support for Hamas by not capitalising the I , "i " in Israel ?

(Even my spellcheck picks it up and marks it as a error)

[placnx]

4 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

IMO only country in the western sphere of influence that can get away with that, and only because the US vetoes anything that goes against israel in the UN. It's time to call time on that useless organisation. Keep the actually useful bits but get rid of the security council, which apparently doesn't provide "security" to anyone, unless it's in American interests to do so.

It's a wonder the secretary general hasn't been sacked already for saying October 7th didn't happen in a vacuum.

WHile I agree with all you say, Russia and China are beginning to rival the US in using the veto. It's definitely time to curb abuse of the SC veto.