1,968 Palestinian prisoners were released by Israel on as part of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. The release happened in two groups from Ofer Prison in West Bank and Ketziot prison in southern Israel. Hamas freed the last 20 living Israeli hostages after over two years in captivity. They also handed over coffins of two dead Israeli hostages to the Red Cross. However, Hamas said it doesn't know where some of the other 24 deceased hostages are. The prisoner swap has sparked mixed reactions. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid rejected the US view that it rewards Hamas. UK Prime Minister Starmer called it a revival of peace hopes, while Israel termed it a reward for Hamas. (Updated 14 Oct 2025, 01:06 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- 1,968 Palestinian prisoners were released by Israel on as part of a ceasefire deal with Hamas
- The release happened in two groups from Ofer Prison in West Bank and Ketziot prison in southern Israel
- Hamas freed the last 20 living Israeli hostages after over two years in captivity