Radiance News Service
(Photo Credits: Al Jazeera, Quds News Network)
Nov. 25: As the first day of the four-day truce held up albeit with tear-gassing and violations from the Israel side, Israel had put out the following warnings for families of the Palestinian prisoners to be freed – no talking to the press, no gatherings in the homes of any of the released prisoners and no passing of sweets or displays of celebration. Israeli forces entered the homes of those women and children about to be released and threatened their families with severe repercussions. Violations of these rules will incur a $19k penalty and may face re-arrest.
No such conditions were placed on the captives released by Hamas, one of whom even waved to the crowd in Gaza as she left. On day 1, Israel released 39 women and children prisoners after Hamas freed 13 civilian captives in exchange for a Qatar-mediated deal that includes a four-day truce in Gaza.
However, no amount of threats was enough to contain the joy of the crowd in the West Bank, who gathered with Palestinian, Hamas and other political fronts’ flags to welcome their children and women back, who had effectively been liberated by the resistance, not merely ‘released’.
Sarah Abdalla, one of the liberated prisoners said: “I am from Nablus. I was in prison for years. I am so proud of Hamas, I love them, I love Palestine. I love Gaza so much, I’m so proud of Gaza and Sinwar and Mohammad Deif, they’re the only ones who stood by us.”
Rawda Abu Ajamieh, a member of the PFLP, the Marxist-Leninist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, was released in Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem, where she saluted the Resistance and the people of Gaza, giving the popular slogan: “Take a sword to confront a sword/we’re the men of Muhammad Deif”
“She was 16 when they snatched her from me, she’s 24 now. I couldn’t watch her fall asleep for 8 long years, tonight she’s sleeping in my arms. She’s still my little baby. Time stopped for me,” said the mother of Marah Bakkar, who was released today in the hostage swap.
Ayloul, the daughter of Fatima Shaheen, who was paralysed after being shot by Israeli forces, waiting for her mother to be released.
Malak Suleiman having her first meal as a free woman after eight years – a slice of pizza.
Released Palestinian boys hoisted on shoulders and welcomed home
The message of Sarah Abdullah, who was freed: “I am from Nablus. I was in prison for 8 years. I am so proud of Hamas, I love them, I love Palestine. I love Gaza so much, I’m so proud of Gaza and Sinwar and Mohammad Deif, they’re the only ones who stood by us.”
Sarah Abdullah prostrates to thank Almighty Allah for being set free after 8 years in Israeli prison
Palestinian ex-prisoner Amani Husheim from occupied Jerusalem hugs her mother upon her release after 8 years in Israeli dungeons. Husheim was released along with 38 other prisoners tonight as part of a prisoner swap deal between the Palestinian resistance and the Israeli occupation.
Hussein Muhammad Ayad, from Al Omour, is 101 years old: “I am here to welcome the children of Palestine who are liberated. These are the youth of Palestine & her future. May God grant victory to our people in Gaza.”
