JERUSALEM-(MaraviPost)-Large banners hang on the walls of the Ofer prison complex in the occupied West Bank – the words “United we will succeed!” picked out in large blue and white letters, alongside the Israeli flag.
According to BCC on Friday afternoon, 39 Palestinian prisoners are due to arrive here, released from Israeli jails in exchange for 13 hostages held by Hamas.
The 39 prisoners will be chosen from a list of 300 women and young people compiled by Israel, accused of a range of offenses, from throwing stones to attempted murder.
The vast majority of them are being held without trial. Most of those listed are teenage boys – with 40% under the age of 18.
Families of the 39 prisoners due for release today will gather later at a nearby checkpoint to receive them.
Human rights organizations say the number of Palestinians held without charge in Israeli jails has shot up since the 7 October attacks.
There are now thought to be more than 6,000 Palestinians held by Israel on security grounds – many still awaiting trial.
Almost every Palestinian family in the West Bank is thought to have had a relative detained by Israel at some point in the past – often in jails inside Israel, making it difficult or impossible for their relatives to visit.
Sources: BBC