Israel has released around 150 detainees from the Gaza Strip, as confirmed by the Palestinian Crossing Authority in Gaza on Monday.
The release comes amidst reports of the detainees facing harsh treatment during their period of detention.
Israeli forces have been detaining dozens of Palestinians since the beginning of the conflict on October 7th. Many of them were held without charges before being released in phases.
Following their return through the Kerem Abu Salem crossing, some of the released detainees were transferred to hospitals in Rafah, southern Gaza, for medical treatment, according to the Palestinian Crossing Authority and a journalist from the French Press Agency.
Hisham Adwan, spokesperson for the Crossing Authority, stated, “Since the early morning hours, 150 prisoners from various parts of the Gaza Strip, detained by the Israeli occupation, have been released.” Adwan further commented, “There has been significant mistreatment of these prisoners, and a number of them have been sent to Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital for treatment.”
The Gaza Strip has been a focal point of conflict between Israel and Palestinians for decades. The region has faced recurrent bouts of violence, including military operations and clashes between Palestinian factions and Israeli forces.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been dire, with challenges exacerbated by restrictions on movement, access to basic services, and the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel.
The release of detainees is often a contentious issue, with Palestinian authorities and human rights groups frequently raising concerns about the treatment of detainees and calling for their release.
