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ConflictsIsrael

Palestinians freed by Israel return to their families

Karin Helmstaedt
October 13, 2025

In exchange for the freeing of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, Israel has released almost 2,000 Palestinians it had held. Families were reunited in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

https://p.dw.com/p/51vVM

More than 1,900 Palestinians have been released by Israel as part of a US-brokered swap. Emotional scenes unfolded in Ramallah and Gaza, where families welcomed loved ones — many of whom had been held without charge. The people released described harsh conditions in Israeli custody, which Israel denies. The exchange marks a key step in the fragile Gaza ceasefire, offering a moment of relief amid ongoing tension.